NSW: Bipartisan praise for departing Police Commissioner Moroney

AAP General News (Australia)
08-31-2007
NSW: Bipartisan praise for departing Police Commissioner Moroney

SYDNEY, Aug 31 AAP - The retirement of Ken Moroney as NSW police commissioner marks
the changing of the guard within the state's force, state Police Minister David Campbell
says.

Mr Moroney ended his 42-year career in the force today, with his successor Deputy
Commissioner Andrew Scipione to take over the top job from midnight tonight.

"Today marks a changing of the guard for NSW Police and I am confident it heralds a
bright future for the force," Mr Campbell said.

He was sad to see Mr Moroney leave as he was a man who had shown great dedication to
the force, he said.

Deputy Commissioner specialist operations Terry Collins has announced he will stay
on with the NSW Police Force for an extra six months and will then retire.

He and Mr Moroney have more than 80 years policing experience between them.

Mr Campbell said Mr Collins' departure and Mr Scipione's promotion would see two senior
vacancies become available.

"This is a very exciting time for the NSW Police and an opportunity for some of our
more experienced officers to step up into these leadership positions," he said.

NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell echoed Mr Campbell's remarks, saying Mr Moroney
had shown outstanding leadership as commissioner over the past five years.

"Ken Moroney deserves the accolades he's receiving, but above all he deserves a break
from politicians and the media," he told reporters.

"I wish him a long, happy and fruitful retirement."

AAP nr/wjf/jm/bwl

KEYWORD: MORONEY REAX

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