Chris Field: Roger Cook says Ombudsman should place ‘a great deal of weight’ on CCC suggestion that he resign

Pressure is mounting on WA Ombudsman Chris Field to resign after Premier Roger Cook said the highly paid public servant should place “a great deal of weight” on Corruption and Crime Commissioner John McKechnie’s suggestion he reconsider his position. Mr Field is embroiled in a CCC probe into whether he misused taxpayer funds to travel the globe while president of the International Ombudsman Institute. Public hearings spread over nine days heard Mr Field, often accompanied by his chief of staff, racked up $172,000 in international travel – almost all of it for IOI-related work – in a single year. He was also quizzed about his plans – abandoned after Treasurer Rita Saffioti intervened – to spend more than $200,000 on an IOI project about the role of the ombudsman in modern civic life which had nothing to do with WA. The hearings concluded on Friday, when Mr McKechnie advised Mr Fields to “reflect whether continuing in the role (of Ombudsman) is in the best interests of the State or yourself”. While clarifying he was not “suggesting any course of action”, Mr McKechnie said that “in the light of all the circumstances” it may be best to “take some overdue leave and reflect on what course of action will best serve the State and you”. Mr Cook, whose chief of staff Daniel Pastorelli told Mr Field in 2023 that his position was untenable, said he agreed with WA’s corruption tzar. “I note the comments by John McKechnie and I think they come with a great deal of weight,” Mr Cook said. The WA Ombudsman, who is tasked with investigating complaints about the actions and decisions of government, is appointed independently for five-year terms and cannot easily be terminated. “He can only be dismissed by a motion of both houses of Parliament or by a decision by the Governor,” Mr Cook said. Labor holds a majority of seats in the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, meaning a motion inhabited by the Premier to replace Mr Field would almost certainly pass. However, Mr Cook said he would not act until the CCC had delivered its final report into Mr Field’s alleged misconduct. He declined to say whether Mr Field retained his confidence as Ombudsman. “(Mr Field) doesn’t need my confidence,” Mr Cook said. “He’s an independent officer. And as a result of that, he has entitlements and obligations which go beyond my office. “But he is the subject of an inquiry by the CCC. I expect that inquiry to be completed before any next steps are taken. “But I do note the comments from John McKechnie and I think the Ombudsman should reflect very carefully on those comments.” Mr Field, who is the nation’s longest-serving Ombudsman at 17 years, denies any wrongdoing.