Govt seeks advice on sacking SES boss
The NSW government is taking legal advice about sacking State Emergency Service (SES) boss Murray Kear.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) delivered a finding on Wednesday that the SES commissioner acted corruptly by sacking deputy commissioner Tara McCarthy.
It also found Mr Kear failed to investigate serious allegations that she raised about another SES deputy commissioner with whom he was friends.
Emergency Services Minister Stuart Ayres is seeking advice from the crown solicitor and his own department about sacking Mr Kear, which the ICAC recommended in its findings.
"When I'm in receipt of that advice, I'll be making decisions about the future position of the commissioner," Mr Ayres told reporters in Sydney.
Mr Ayres is also seeking advice about the possible reinstatement of Ms McCarthy.
She was sacked after she raised concerns that Mr Pearce engaged in a number of dubious contracts.
ICAC ruled that Mr Kear did not investigate the allegations against deputy commissioner Steve Pearce because he was a mate.
ICAC's report on Wednesday suggested Ms McCarthy was sacked as a reprisal for raising the allegations against Mr Pearce.
NSW Premier Mike Baird, who has staked his premiership on ridding the state of corruption, said he will consider the report.
"It's clear in light of the report today there needs to be cultural changes (within the SES)," he told reporters in Sydney.
"There needs to be changes and we'll be responding shortly."
Mr Kear has been on leave since the ICAC inquiry began.
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