Former Politician John Hatton AO thanks detective for courage under fire 🔥
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16 February 2025
Corruption
Fighter Honours Local Hero in the Glass House Mountains
John Hatton AO, renowned anti-corruption
advocate and former independent Member of Parliament for the NSW South Coast,
is in the Glass House Mountains to present a personal painting of the region to
former NSW Detective Sergeant Max Chapman. The painting’s frame bears the
inscription: “To Detective Sergeant Max Chapman for Courage and Persistence
in Exposing Corrupt Police.”
Chapman, alongside former Detective Sergeant
John Edlund and former Senior Constable Peter Jamieson, played a critical role
in exposing deep-rooted corruption within the NSW Police Force during the
1980s. After being ignored by police administration, the trio took their concerns
to Hatton about possible ties between corrupt police officers and the Calabrian
‘Ndrangheta—also known as the ‘Honoured Society’—which was deeply embedded in
the multi-million-dollar marijuana trade. Their bravery came at a significant
personal cost.
Hatton’s relentless advocacy led to the
establishment of the NSW Police Royal Commission, which exposed widespread
corruption and resulted in the removal of 180 officers. Nigel Hadgkiss AM APM,
the Commission’s Director of Operations, later described it as “The biggest
exposure of corruption in a police force anywhere in the world.”
The influence of the ‘Ndrangheta in Australia
was further revealed during the inquest into the assassination of Australian
Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester. Many believe the
criminal organisation ordered his murder—a subject explored in an upcoming
revised edition of a book by lawyer Terry O’Donnell.
The painting presentation serves to honour
both Max Chapman and his wife, Elaine, as local heroes. Of relevance, the NSW
Police is currently reviewing new evidence, including previously unexamined
documents from the Winchester inquest, that further reveal how a corrupt NSW
detective sergeant fraudulently defamed Chapman, ultimately costing him a role
in the Australian Federal Police. The deception and falsity were further
compounded when the corrupt sergeant prepared a doctored response for the
police minister to respond to questions asked by Hatton in Parliament – an
action that, if exposed, could have cost the minister his portfolio.
Though Hatton resides in Jervis Bay, he has
been staying with Chapman while completing his painting in the Glass House
Mountains.
Both John Hatton and Max Chapman are available
for interviews and photographs.
Media Contact:
Max Chapman – (07) 5493 0107
- Max Chapman on a horse photo supplied by J Hatton
William (Bill) Beale
Over 40 years in law enforcement - principally as an
investigator - with the ACT Police, Australian Federal Police, Federal
Attorney-General’s Special Investigations Unit (War Crimes), and ICAC.
Qualified PowerBuilder programmer - currently develop
software for law enforcement.
Awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct – 1974
Bachelor of Arts in Administration with majors in law and
computing – Canberra University. Dux of
course
Post-graduate studies in accounting and computing at the
University of Technology, Sydney.
Resume of John Edward Hatton AO
Highlights of Career: Held the balance of power in the NSW
Parliament 1991‑95 with two other independents. Negotiated the Charter of
Reform with the Government and the Opposition to improve accountability of the
Parliament, the legal system and key areas of government administration.
In 1994 convinced the
NSW Parliament to establish the Wood Royal Commission into the NSW Police Service.
This Royal Commission exposed endemic corruption and led to widespread reform
of the NSW Police Service and the establishment of the Police Integrity
Commission.
In 1990 gained
unanimous support of the NSW Legislative Assembly for the NSW Government to
advise the Federal Government to appoint a Royal Commission into the activities
of the Mafia and to examine its relationship to State and Federal police in the
growing of illegal marihuana crops.
Successfully put
pressure on the NSW government to establish the 1988 Royal Commission into
Mental Health Services, known as the Chelmsford Royal Commission.
Honours and Awards: Hon Fellow University of Wollongong 2002;
Order of Australia 1999 for service to the community by raising public
awareness of social issues and as an advocate for social change; National Trust
of Australia nominated Australian Living Treasure 1998; Hon Visiting Fellow,
School of Social Work, University of NSW 1995; Churchill Fellowship 1989 for
study in Sweden and Canada; Jaycees Australia’s Outstanding Young Man of the
Year 1970.
Parliamentary Career: Member of NSW State Parliament for 22 years
1973-95 where he was a consistent campaigner against corruption, exposing
corruption and wastage in Departments (Department of Motor Transport, Police,
Public Service and legal system). Exposures included the drug trade and the
role of organised crime in politics, the legal system, police and the public
service. Member of Parliamentary
Standing Committees of oversight of the Ombudsman’s Office and the Independent
Commission Against Corruption. Member of Parliamentary Committees on
Parliamentary Standing Orders and Procedures, Defamation Legislation, Police
Administration, Public Accounts re Health Infrastructure, and Chairman of the
Homefund and FANMAC Committees.
Local Government Career: President of Shoalhaven Shire 1970 – 73.
Shire Councillor 1965 -73. Member NSW Shires Association Executive 1969-71. Teacher
at Nowra High School for 21 years.
Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hatton_(politician)
Web:
https://sites.google.com/view/john-hatton/home
Email: jhnhatton@gmail.com; garloo180@gmail.com
Address: 8 Watt Street, Huskisson, New South Wales,
2540.