“It is completely unacceptable that oversight of the Commission can be left to the ‘secret police boys club’,” Mr Gallacher said.

“The PIC and the Crime Commission have worked together on a number of investigations in the past few years, blurring the lines between the two agencies.

“The inextricable links between these agencies make it laughable to suggest one could investigate the other and retain public confidence.

“Because of the complexities of this investigation it is imperative that a joint approach is taken by the New South Wales State Government and the Federal Government,” Mr Gallacher said.

Mr Smith said a new independent Inspector General heading a body with the powers of a royal commission would be the only way to ensure all the evidence could be heard and investigated properly.

“For too long this has been a mate’s State – it’s about time the Iemma Government took the initiative and showed some independence”, he said.

“David Campbell can’t seriously expect that we’re all going to take his word for it that everything’s going to be ok.

“This is the man who claims ‘the Government had been developing a framework for greater public accountability of the New South Wales Crime Commission’ yet not a single word has been uttered with regard to oversight of this body since a question was asked of then Police Minister John Watkins back in 2006, Mr Smith said.”

“Public confidence in the Crime Commission has taken a battering in the past few days and a judicial inquiry with the powers of a Royal Commission is the only way of restoring public confidence,” Mr Gallacher concluded.