NSW DPP Spends $300K on Media Advisors Amid Scandal

0:00It's April 17. This is Sydney News Today, powered by AI. New South Wales' Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions dropped almost $300,000 on outside media advisors over two years. They hired firm, Greg Sowe's way, starting April 4, 2024, for crisis communications help after facing heat from judges on sexual assault cases. This comes amid major drama, like prosecutor Vanessa O'Brien, a 32-year-old lawyer hit with charges for misconduct in public office and relationships with prison inmates. She's accused of accessing restricted data and taking $5,000 in dirty money, now under strict bail in Sydney's northwest. Staff at the office are feeling the strain, with 43% reporting burnout in last year's survey, though job satisfaction climbed to 76%. Director Sally Dowling defended the spending, saying it filled gaps in their media team during tough media storms, including clashes with judges like, Penelope Was over courtroom rituals.

1:04Recent updates include a court-lifting suppression on O'Brien's name, highlighting public interest and open justice, and inquiry into Dowling's handling of issues rapsed by May 8, and the office plan's internal probes once police rap O'Brien's case. Meanwhile, Dowling's standing firm, no resignation plans, as the office pushes wellness programs to steady the ship through these rough waters.