His appointment is effective 1 May
Justice Minister Kiri Allan has announced the appointment of associate high court judge Kenneth Johnston as the new chairperson of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA), effective 1 May.
The IPCA investigates complaints alleging any misconduct or neglect of duty by a member of the police or any practice, policy, or procedure of the police affecting the complainant. The IPCA is also responsible for investigating any incident involving serious bodily harm or death notified to the body by the commissioner of police.
Allan expressed her confidence in Johnston’s ability to handle the demanding role, praising his broad experience in governance, investigatory, disciplinary, and criminal work.
“Judge Johnston not only brings the acumen of a senior judge to the role, but also broad experience in governance, investigatory, disciplinary and criminal work. I’m confident Judge Johnston is admirably equipped for this demanding role”, she said.
Johnston was appointed to the High Court bench in early 2018. He has extensive experience in criminal work, including as a prosecutor and defence counsel in jury and appellate trials and civil work. His practice encompasses general civil and commercial litigation, trusts and estates, construction, employment, family, and professional disciplinary litigation. He also previously held the positions of chair of the Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal and deputy chair of the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
Johnston will succeed judge Colin Doherty, who is stepping down after five and a half years in the role.
“I want to recognise the outgoing chairperson Judge Doherty who chaired the IPCA since August 2017. Judge Doherty has led the organisation during a period of change and increasing workload, which has seen its operational model evolve through his agile leadership,” Allan said.
Doherty did not seek reappointment and has agreed to continue in office to oversee the completion of several high-profile investigations, including the policing of the protests at Parliament in 2022.
