NSW Police cancels contract of new media chief Steve Jackson two weeks after appointment

Police Commissioner Karen Webb has been criticised for her handling of the press. (ABC News: Keana Naughton)

NSW Police will not be going ahead with the controversial hiring of a veteran journalist as media director.

Police have issued a statement saying former Channel Seven producer Steve Jackson would no longer be taking up the role of Executive Director of the Public Affairs branch, just two weeks after he was hired on a six-month contract.

The previous media director left the role earlier this month after Police Commissioner Karen Webb came under pressure for her public handling of the alleged murders of Luke Davies and Jesse Baird.

Questions had been raised in parliament last week about the process of hiring Mr Jackson and the involvement of Police Minister Yasmin Catley’s office.

The minister denied accusations that her office engaged in any improper interference after her chief of staff recommended Mr Jackson for the job.

“Of course the commissioner’s office and my office discuss matters like this, it goes without saying,” Ms Catley said in parliament.

“But… the police commissioner employs her staff and I employ my staff.”

Commissioner Webb told Ray Hadley on 2GB radio on Monday she sought advice from the minister’s chief of staff because he had previously served in that role and had extensive experience in the media industry.

Mr Jackson was due to start in the role in April after resigning from his job at Channel Seven’s Spotlight program earlier this month.

The statement from NSW Police today said Mr Jackson’s temporary contract had been terminated because the role needed to be free from “external distractions”.

“To best serve the interests of the NSW Police and community, the Executive Director, Public Affairs Branch needs to be able to fulfil the duties of the role free from external distractions and ongoing media attention,” the statement said.

“The current arrangements for the role will continue for the time being.”