NSW DPP Sally Dowling Refuses to Resign Despite Judicial Row and Inquiry

The NSW Director of Public Prosecutions will not step down, despite facing criticism from a judge and a potential parliamentary inquiry. This follows a dispute over information shared with a media outlet.
By Newsroom | Law, New South Wales |

Top Prosecutor Defies Calls to Resign Amid Judicial Disagreements

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for New South Wales, Sally Dowling SC, has stated she will not step down, even if a parliamentary inquiry yields negative findings regarding her office's actions. This stance comes amidst an ongoing friction with a judge and accusations of unauthorized information disclosure to a media outlet.

The controversy reportedly stems from information provided by Dowling's office to radio station 2GB. This information, which included the name of an Indigenous teenager, was instrumental in a news report concerning a sitting judge. Dowling, however, has asserted she was unaware of the disclosure for over a year and did not authorize its release, a claim challenged by those describing it as a leak.

Judicial Scrutiny and Public Prosecutions

The disagreement between Dowling and District Court Judge Penelope Wass has escalated, culminating in a recent ruling by the NSW Supreme Court. While the specifics of this ruling's impact on broader investigations remain unclear, it is a significant development in a protracted dispute. Judge Wass, along with other district court judges, has previously voiced criticism concerning the Office of the DPP's management of sexual assault cases under Dowling's leadership.

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This legal clash involves a recusal application made by the DPP, referencing a critical submission made by Judge Wass to a parliamentary committee. The parliamentary inquiry now looms, potentially examining the conduct of the DPP's office in light of these events. The Attorney-General faces pressure regarding the future trajectory of these matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is NSW DPP Sally Dowling facing calls to resign?
Sally Dowling is facing calls to resign due to a disagreement with Judge Penelope Wass and controversy over her office allegedly disclosing information to radio station 2GB. The information included the name of an Indigenous teenager and was used in a report about a judge.
Q: What did Sally Dowling say about the media disclosure?
Sally Dowling stated she did not know about the disclosure of the teenager's name to 2GB for over a year and did not give permission for it. Others believe it was a leak from her office.
Q: What is the disagreement between Sally Dowling and Judge Penelope Wass about?
The disagreement has led to a ruling by the NSW Supreme Court. Judge Wass and other judges have previously criticized the DPP's handling of sexual assault cases under Dowling's leadership.
Q: What is the role of the upcoming parliamentary inquiry?
A parliamentary inquiry may look into the actions of the DPP's office. This is happening after Judge Wass made a critical submission to a committee, and the Attorney-General is under pressure to address these issues.
Q: Will Sally Dowling resign from her position as NSW DPP?
No, Sally Dowling has stated that she will not resign, even if the parliamentary inquiry finds negative results about her office's actions. She remains in her position as Director of Public Prosecutions for New South Wales.