Ministers promise change following damning report

Nov 13, 2025, 11:32 AM Politics

*Police Minister Mark Mitchell in a stand up regarding McSkimming case* *Stuff / Supplied*

Police Minister says there were shortcoming in checks before assigned previous Deputy Police Commissioner.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) found issues with the former Police Executive Andrew Coster, says Public Service Minister Judith Collins.

"The Government is acting decisively to install the strongest statutory oversight mechanism available to it – an Inspector-General of Police.”

*Public Service Minister Judith Collins in a stand up regarding McSkimming case* *Stuff / Supplied*

Police Minister Mark Mitchell says the report showed significant flaws in judgement and decision making from top cops including Coster.

As a result, the women who accused McSkimming of sexual offending was let down.

“At the centre of this is a woman who has been let down by the former Police executive and the system," he says.

The report raises questions around oversight and how in depth screenings were before appointing McSkimming in 2023.

The IPCA makes 13 recommendations for Police and a further two for the Government regarding Police oversight. All have been accepted.

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Ministers promise change following damning report

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