Police bugging 'used in faction fight'

A journalist who was bugged in a controversial and secretive police surveillance operation says he was targeted by officers who were trying to blacken the names of rivals in a bid to boost their own career prospects.

Seven Network journalist Steve Barrett, a former 60 Minutes producer and experienced crime reporter, has told a NSW parliamentary inquiry that the only reason he was named on a warrant to bug more than 100 police officers was that he was caught in a "square-up" between rival police jockeying for career advancement.

The warrant to spy on 114 people, including NSW Deputy Police Commission Nick Kaldas, was taken out in 2000 by the NSW Police Special Crime and Internal Affairs unit as part of Operation Mascot.

A police strike force, codenamed Emblems, has investigated allegations that false and perjured evidence was given to judges to obtain the Mascot warrants for listening devices but their report has not been made public.

An ombudsman's investigation has been called but the NSW Upper House select committee is now investigating the conduct of that investigation.

Mr Barrett, appearing as the first witness before the Upper House committee, said he had been trying for 13 years to get an explanation as to why he was named in the warrant.

"I have been blocked all the way," he said.

"I have not done anything wrong."

Mr Barrett said when the bugging was revealed in 2002 it destroyed his career as sources would no longer trust him.

Labor MP and committee member Adam Searle asked Mr Barrett if he believed the warrants were "a device from one group of officers to somehow blacken the names of a second group of officers for reasons of their own personal career advancement, is that what you're saying?"

Mr Barrett replied that he had come to that conclusion.

"There appears to be no other reason - there appears to be sort of like a square-up happening here," he said.

He agreed with Mr Searle that it was "a faction fight at the most senior levels of the police" being fought using listening devices.

The hearing continues.