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NSW top cop takes Burn off counter-terror

The new NSW Police Commissioner has removed Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn from her role as head of counter-terrorism, as part of a restructure.

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn has been moved on from her counter-terrorism role. (AAP)

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Source: AAP


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NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn has been moved on from her role as head of counter-terrorism by the force's new boss.

Just weeks after taking over from Andrew Scipione, Commissioner Mick Fuller has named Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson to lead the Investigations and Counter-Terrorism unit.

Ms Burn will remain deputy commissioner but will instead lead Specialist Support, Mr Fuller announced on Tuesday.

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn has been shifted from head of counter-terrorism by the state's newly minted Police Commissioner.

Within a fortnight of taking over from Andrew Scipione, Commissioner Mick Fuller has named Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson to lead the Investigations and Counter-Terrorism unit and State Crime Command, which covers squads targeting major crimes including homicide and organised gangs.

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Ms Burn will remain deputy commissioner but instead lead Specialist Support, Mr Fuller announced on Tuesday.

The reshuffle comes ahead of a pending report into the police response to the 2014 Lindt Cafe siege, in which two hostages and gunman Man Haron Monis were killed after a 17-hour stand-off.

Both Ms Burn, who has held the counter-terrrorism portfolio since 2012, and Mr Scipione have been criticised for their handling of their roles in the operation.

Ms Burn, who insisted she had no operational role during the siege, came under scrutiny over text messages she sent during and after the siege, which were deleted and haven't been recovered.

Mr Scipione also stated he had no operational control at the siege either.

Mr Fuller was the first high-ranking officer to take command of the siege and he ordered a contain and negotiate approach rather than sending in armed officers.

Ms Burn will start her new role on May 1.

Until now, the specialist support role has overseen several units including PolAir, forensics, marine area command and highway patrol.

Both Ms Burn and Mr Hudson had thrown their hat into the ring for the top job to replace Mr Scipione but were passed over.

Mr Hudson will move from head of corporate services, which he's held since 2013, to take on his new role also at the beginning of May.

Mr Fuller still needs to appoint three more deputy commissioner positions under the changes.


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