The Country Music Association of Australia has requested the assistance of former police prosecutor, Ian Burkinshaw to undertake an independent investigation into the 39th Country Music Awards of Australia.

With some 34 years experience as a police prosecutor, coupled with his membership of the Tamworth Regional Council’s Ethics Committee, Ian is well qualified and highly regarded, enjoying the respect of the Tamworth community.

Mr Burkinshaw will specifically investigate the incorrect announcement of Lee Kernaghan’s Planet Country as Album of the Year in place of Graeme Connors’ Still Walking.

Country Music Association of Australia Chairman, Rod Laing said, “The Board and I are incredibly embarrassed at this error and wish to formally apologise to Graeme Connors, Matt Fell, Lee Kernaghan and Garth Porter and thank them for the graciousness displayed by each of them as a result of this unfortunate incident.”

“It is our intention to ensure that a completely independent party is able to identify how the error occurred and to provide advice to assist us in ensuring it never happens again,” he continued.

“Mr Burkinshaw is familiar with inquiries of this nature and I have no doubt he will carry out a thorough and ethical investigation,” said Mr Laing.

Following Mr Burkinshaw’s investigation, the findings on how the error took place will be reported to the Board of the CMAA and other stakeholders.

In addition, the CMAA will undertake a review of all aspects of the Awards.

“The review is a precautionary step to ensure that all other aspects of the Awards were carried out to the highest professional standard expected by the Board, sponsors, stakeholders, artists and fans of country music,” stated Mr Laing.

Source: Country Music Association of Australia