Most senior public servant in the Territory fire service stood down as part of internal investigation
“Due to an ongoing ... investigation, no further comment can be made” NTPFES SPOKESMAN
THE most high-ranking public servant in the Territory fire, rescue and emergency services has been stood down as part of an “ongoing internal investigation”.
The Sunday Territorian can reveal Jennifer Reilly, the executive director of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, has been suspended from her role in the past week.
The NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services would not confirm it was Ms Reilly who was stood down but they did confirm “a senior public servant has been suspended.”
In a short statement, a spokesman said: “Due to an ongoing internal investigation, no further comment can be made.” They would not elaborate on the reasons why Ms Reilly was stood down.
Ms Reilly, who earns a salary in excess of $250,000 a year, was appointed to the role in July 2016.
She reports to Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw.
According to the 2016-17 NTPFES annual report, her role is on the same level as deputy police commissioners Kate Vanderlaan and Grant Nicholls.
The NTPFES website states: “Prior to moving to the Northern Territory Jennifer’s career was based in Queensland working in numerous Government Agencies including Departments of Housing, Health, Public Works, QBuild Corporate Services, Public Service Commission and Police.”
“She has a passion for lead- ing large teams and delivering government services across large geographical locations and has worked and lived in Julia Creek, Rockhampton and Cairns,” it states.
Ms Reilly, who previously lived in Tennant Creek for 13 years, was awarded the Most Outstanding Female Administrator award at the 15th Annual Excellence in Policing Awards from Australasia Council of Women and Policing.
In announcing her appointment and two other senior roles in July 2016, Mr Kershaw said the “appointments in the realigned NTFRES will deliver significant benefits to the organisation and the community”.
“Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services (NTPFES) is already a unified organisation, with shared values and a common vision to serve and protect the people of the NT,” he said at the time.
Ms Reilly’s interim replacement has not been made public. Ms Reilly could not be contacted for comment.