However,Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw told a Senate estimates hearing on Monday he was concerned the inquiry being undertaken by Australia’s top public servant would hamper the police investigation into the matter.
Mr Gaetjens told a separate estimates hearing Mr Kershaw had advised him of these concerns on March 9,leading him to “pause” the review.
“I was strongly advised,I think would probably be the expression,to make sure there was no intersection with the criminal investigation and as a result,I have decided to pause the inquiry,” Mr Gaetjens said.
“I just got increasingly concerned at his comments and stopped the inquiry.”
Mr Kershaw initially said he had not asked the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet secretary to stall or pause the investigation,saying it was “a decision he may wish to take”. However,Mr Kershaw later issued a statement confirming Mr Gaetjens’ characterisation of his advice and saying he supported the department head’s decision to put the inquiry on hold.
Mr Gaetjens told Mr Morrison and the Prime Minister’s staff of his decision on March 9.