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NSW prosecutor review discussions
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
NSW Attorney-General consulted top prosecutor Sally Dowling on who would review her office. The review cleared her of false evidence claims, raising independence questions.
Background
The NSW Attorney-General, Michael Daley, consulted the state's chief prosecutor, Sally Dowling, on who should lead a review into a report critical of her office. The review, led by Noel Hutley SC, found no positive basis to conclude she gave false evidence. The consultation has raised concerns about the independence of the review process.
How it unfolded
- recentlyNSW Attorney-General Michael Daley consulted with chief prosecutor Sally Dowling on who should lead a review into a report critical of her office.
- Mon, 31 Aug 2026At budget estimates, Dowling confirmed she and Daley discussed a list of barristers before Noel Hutley SC was appointed to lead the review.
- Tue, 01 Sep 2026The Guardian reports that Dowling said she had known Hutley 'professionally and socially' for nearly 30 years, and the review found no positive basis to find she gave false evidence.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Attorney-General Michael Daley consulted with the chief prosecutor on the review appointment, as reported by The Australian.
- Public
- The Guardian reports that Dowling discussed a list of barristers with Daley before he appointed someone she had known for nearly 30 years, raising questions about independence.
Still unverified
The full details of the consultation and the extent of Dowling's influence on the appointment are not fully disclosed.