Face of the Day

The head of aviation security at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is “on leave” following criticism of his role in the police handling of the Jevon McSkimming scandal.

Chris de Wattignar was the police’s Deputy Commissioner of People, Leader and Culture who was criticised this week in a bombshell Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report for failing to exercise independent judgment and take any necessary action to ensure the police executive was acting in an appropriate way over complaints made about McSkimming.

On Wednesday, Stuff revealed he was one of the five most senior officers whose decisions or failures to act were condemned by the IPCA.

CAA confirmed on Thursday afternoon that de Wattignar “is on leave as of today”.

“He will take some time away as we work through an employment process and any implications for him in his role at CAA,” a spokesperson said.

“We will work through these processes as quickly as possible. We are bound by legal processes and obligations as an employer, and we won’t be able to discuss employment matters publicly.”

Stuff