Government prosecutors are unhappy at the prospect of being left without a permanent boss after Peter Nguyen says goodbye to the job today.
Mr Nguyen, the Director of Public Prosecutions, announced in June that he would be resigning to resume a career as a private barrister. But his successor has not yet been appointed and government lawyers fear there may be no decision for months.
British lawyer Grenville Cross, SC, a deputy government prosecutor, was recommended for the job by the Department of Justice recruitment board last month. But the final decision lies with the Public Service Commission.
Mr Nguyen will be taking three months' accumulated leave, which means he will technically remain in the post until mid-January.
Legal sources said this could mean the appointment of his successor in the $160,000-a-month post would not be announced until then.
A spokesman for the Department of Justice said Mr Cross would step in as acting Director of Public Prosecutions tomorrow. Andrew Bruce, SC, will be his acting deputy.
