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Supporting the Integrity of the Director of Public Prosecutions

Published July 7, 2026 at 2:40 PM UTC

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The recent parliamentary inquiry into the conduct of New South Wales' Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Sally Dowling SC, has ignited a contentious debate about the integrity and independence of the state's prosecutorial system. The inquiry's majority report accuses Dowling of authorizing a media leak and providing false evidence under oath. However, a closer examination of the circumstances surrounding the leak and the inquiry's proceedings raises significant concerns about the fairness and objectivity of the process. Dowling has consistently denied authorizing the leak to radio station 2GB, admitting only that her office pitched the story but asserting that it was not authorized by her. This distinction is crucial, as it highlights a potential miscommunication or misunderstanding within her office rather than deliberate misconduct. The inquiry's focus on Dowling, rather than the actions of her staff, suggests a predetermined conclusion aimed at discrediting her leadership. The dissenting opinions within the committee further underscore the contentious nature of the inquiry. Greens MLC Sue Higginson, who filed a dissenting statement, criticized the majority report for being "unfounded and biased," and for discarding sworn testimony in favor of assumptions of guilt. This perspective suggests that the inquiry may have been influenced by political motivations rather than a genuine pursuit of justice. The support for Dowling from her counterparts across Australia adds weight to the argument that the inquiry's findings may be unjust. In a letter dated June 30, 2026, the Commonwealth, state, and territory directors of public prosecutions collectively expressed their confidence in Dowling's integrity, stating that she has always conducted herself in an exemplary and ethical manner. This collective endorsement indicates that the allegations against her may be unfounded and that the inquiry's conclusions should be scrutinized. Attorney-General Michael Daley's response to the report further highlights the contentious nature of the inquiry. Daley expressed full confidence in Dowling, describing the report as a "stitch-up from the outset," and criticized the findings as unsupported by evidence. His decision to instruct the Crown Solicitor's Office to brief senior counsel to review the report suggests a commitment to ensuring that justice is served and that the DPP's office remains independent and free from undue political influence. In conclusion, while the inquiry's findings are serious and warrant attention, the broader context and the dissenting opinions within the committee raise questions about the fairness and objectivity of the process. The support for Dowling from her peers and the Attorney-General's response suggest that the allegations against her may be part of a politically motivated attack rather than a legitimate concern about prosecutorial conduct. It is imperative that any further investigations into this matter are conducted impartially and with due regard for the principles of justice and fairness.