ACT Policing evaluation into the alleged handing of confidential information to the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) by the former Chief of Staff to the former Minister for Police and Emergency Services, referred to in The Australian Financial Review on 15 December 2015 is now complete.

“While no charges will be laid, police have expressed concerns with the way the sensitive and confidential police information was handled by two former Ministerial staff members,” a spokesperson for ACT Policing said.

“ACT Policing has referred those conduct matters to the ACT Government.”

Chief Police Officer for the ACT Rudi Lammers said that he directed ACT Policing Criminal Investigations to conduct a thorough evaluation of the allegations.

“Once the allegations were aired nationally and given the significance of the investigation by ACT Policing assisting the Trade Union Royal Commission, I advised the ACT Government that a thorough evaluation of the allegations would be conducted,” Rudi said.

ACT Policing now considers this matter finalised.

UPDATE: The Liberals’ Jeremy Hanson has issued a scathing response:

Andrew Barr has a range of questions to answer following revelations that police have expressed concerns about the handling of sensitive and confidential police information in former Minister Joy Burch’s office and revelations a second Labor staffer was involved, Leader of the Opposition Jeremy Hanson said today.

“After a three month investigation into the conduct of former minister Burch’s office, there are fresh questions Andrew Barr must answer. He cannot ignore that the Chief Police Officer has this morning expressed concerns about how sensitive and confidential police information was handled by two Labor staffers,” Mr Hanson said.

“The matter has been referred back to the Chief Minister who must now explain in detail what has occurred inside his government, including:

• What police information was leaked and to who specifically?
• How did the ALP staffers receive the sensitive police information?
• When was the information leaked and when did the Chief Minister become aware of the leak?
• Was the second ALP staffer who has involved from Ms Burch’s office or another Minister’s office?
• What action is the Chief Minister now going to take having had the issue referred to him by the AFP?

“This whole saga stinks and although criminal charges have not been laid, a Minister has resigned, two ALP staffers have been implicated and the police have raised concerns over how this issue has been handled.

“The ethical conduct of Andrew Barr’s government is in question and he must make a full and comprehensive explanation while also outlining what actions he will take if the public’s faith in the integrity of his government is to be restored,” Mr Hanson concluded.

Joy Burch however has welcomed the finding.

Member for Brindabella Joy Burch MLA has welcomed ACT Chief Police Officer Rudi Lammers’ announcement that ACT Policing found no evidence of criminal misconduct in her former Ministerial Office.

Assistant Commissioner Lammers stated that after a thorough evaluation, no charges will be laid against any of Ms Burch’s staff over alleged mishandling of confidential information and considered the matter finalised.

“I always had confidence there was no criminal misconduct in relation to these matters, and as such I welcome that finding by ACT Policing,” said Ms Burch.

“I acknowledge that ACT Policing has closed this matter and has made recommendations to the ACT Government.

“After more than six years of strong achievement as a Minister, I’m now focusing on putting the people of Tuggeranong first and having a strong community focus.

“I consider the matter closed and will continue to work hard in delivering for the people of Tuggeranong.”