The issues came to a head this week when a police staffer was turned away from the minister’s office.

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A NSW Police Force media liaison had arrived at Catley’s parliamentary offices on Tuesday, multiple sources not authorised to speak publicly told the Herald, but was turned away. On Wednesday she was told not to return for the rest of the week.

The media liaison is employed by police but routinely works inside the office of the police minister. Their role is intended to link the department and minister’s offices and ensure Catley and Webb’s teams are on the same page.

Catley’s staff on Wednesday denied their relationships with the force were breaking down as the furore grew over Jackson’s appointment.

Hours after the police liaison officer incident, another fracture emerged – Catley’s office released a statement that conflicted with comments from the NSW Police position on Jackson’s appointment.

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NSW Police late on Tuesday maintained Jackson’s appointment was still being negotiated. Catley’s statement, issued later on Tuesday night, firmly said Jackson had been given the job.

“Mr Jackson has been appointed to the role of Executive Director, Public Affairs of NSWPF on a temporary basis for six months,” the statement read.

“This involved assessment of Mr Jackson’s suitability for the role against key selection criteria. An interview process and national police check for non-sworn police officers were undertaken.”

By Wednesday morning, the NSW Police had adopted Catley’s position, confirming Jackson had been appointed to the role. But later the same day they refused to respond to reconfirm Jackson had the job when asked by the Herald.

Jackson has told friends and colleagues he has signed the contract, but Webb’s media team were blindsided by his appointment.

Premier Chris Minns said he retained confidence in Catley despite a series of public relations bungles since she became minister following the election last year.

“The police commissioner is responsible for recruiting her team. That’s exactly what she’s done,” he said on Wednesday. “In this instance. I don’t think that there’s any suggestion that anyone else has stepped in at all.”

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