‘No bullshit’: New crime watchdog Iddles hits back at ‘mouthpiece’ criticism

Victoria’s new crime watchdog has hit back at suggestions his new job is part of the government’s spin machine.

In his first extensive interview as the state’s first Community Safety Trustee, Ron Iddles didn’t mince his words when asked if he’d ‘sold out’.

‘Those who know me know there’ll be no bullshit. No spin,’ he told Tony Jones.

‘I wouldn’t have come out of retirement just to do some crap job.

‘I’m independent. I speak my mind. I’ve said to the Minister, ‘If you don’t deliver I will call you out’.

Mr Iddles, formerly the boss of the police union, didn’t sugarcoat Victoria’s crime issue.

‘Things in this state aren’t good,’ he said.

But he was full of praise for the Police Minister Lisa Neville.

‘This Minister has done more about law and order than any other Minister in seven months.’

Click play to hear the full interview

Mr Iddles also defended the fact he now lives in Cairns, in north-east Queensland.

‘Technology now is such that it doesn’t matter where you are in the world, you can keep your finger on the pulse,’ he said.

‘I read the paper every morning, I listen to radio from 3AW, because that’s the most informative talkback radio station. I get all the information.’