He previously had been suspended without pay by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship until an inquiry into his actions has been completed.

However, in developments last week, Mr Chaston resigned and the departmental inquiry has been cancelled, as predicted by the Torres News.

A spokesman for DIAC told the Torres News the investigation started on Friday, February 13, one day after State Coroner Michael Barnes handed down his findings on Thursday Island.

Mr Barnes recommended Mr Chaston and Sergeant Warren Flegg, from the Thursday Island Police, be investigated for possible code-of-conduct breaches.

Sgt Flegg is believed to be on leave at this stage, but the Torres News has been told Sgt Flegg has been offered a transfer position, probably in Cairns.

In other developments, Professor Dennis Pearce AO, was appointed to head the DIAC hearing.

Professor Pearce was the Commonwealth Ombudsman from 1988-91 and is an Emeritus Professor of Law at the Australian National University in Canberra.

However, an informant told the Torres News that there was always a feeling within DIAC that Mr Chaston would retire.

(He retired last Tuesday).

The departmental spokesman, when asked what would be the outcome from such an action, he replied: "In the event of the person under investigation elects to resign or retire, the investigation would cease from the date of resignation or retirement."

Simply put, if Mr Chaston retires, the investigation concludes immediately.

This was confirmed upon by the Department upon Mr Chaston's resignation.

However, the spokesman added any resignation or retirement would have no effect on any investigations or actions other agencies or individuals might care to take.

The spokesman said the inquiry would be conducted "robustly, quickly and independently".

Mr Barnes described Mr Chaston as "incompetent and indolent" and said the former AFP officer had an abrasive reputation who had been dismissive of Torres Strait Islander staff.

Meanwhile, Queensland Police say the case involving Sgt Flegg was referred to the Ethical Standards Command, immediately following the release of the Coroner’s findings.

"That investigation is on-going at this stage."

Despite undertaking to issue a statement prior to publication, the Torres News had not received any comment from the Police at the time of going to press on Sunday about any transfer for Sgt Flegg.

However, they did confirm Sgt Flegg is on leave.

Families had demanded Sgt Flegg be removed from the Island immediately after the Coroner’s findings were handed down.

Mr Barnes said on Sgt Flegg: "I am of the view, a prescribed officer could conclude Sgt Flegg’s conduct amounted to misconduct or that he acted incompetently in the discharge of his duties."