Former ICAC commissioner Ken Fleming referred to Privileges Committee
Both sides of politics have supported a motion to refer former ICAC Commissioner Ken Fleming to the Privileges Committee, following comments he made in Estimates in June.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
FORMER Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Ken Fleming QC has been referred to the Privileges Committee.
Chief Minister Michael Gunner moved the motion on Tuesday after Mr Fleming made stunning comments during an appearance before Estimates in June.
“Mr Fleming made comments in relation to a staff member who made a complaint to the Inspector of the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption,” Mr Gunner said.
MORE NEWS
Darwin Turf Club members vote to spill all positions on its board at special general meeting
NT Corrections Commissioner Scott McNairn passes away
Supreme Court judge declines to respond to complaint to A-G
During Mr Fleming’s appearance in Estimates, he attacked a whistleblower and threatened to pursue a journalist to reveal his sources.
At the time, Sky News and the NT News had just revealed his office was being investigated over allegations it awarded lucrative contracts to a company owned by the boyfriend of a senior director.
The staff member’s lawyer later made an appearance before Estimates which was not broadcast.
“Unfortunately, it has become apparent that the Estimates Committee has been provided two versions of events from opposing witnesses, which needs to be investigated,” Mr Gunner said.
He said the comments, made under parliamentary privilege, would need to be further looked into by the Privileges Committee.
Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro supported the motion, saying the conflicting narratives needed to be investigated.
Ms Finocchiaro said the saga also heightened the need for a full review of the ICAC.
“The reason that is so important is because it allows Territorians – the very people who need to have the utmost confidence in the institution – to provide submissions, to give their feedback,” she said.
Ms Finocchiaro said the review needed to make sure the public didn’t see the ICAC as a “tool of the government”.
Originally published as Former ICAC commissioner Ken Fleming referred to Privileges Committee
Mental health flags for woman who allegedly stabbed three people on bus
A young woman who allegedly stabbed three people with scissors amid a mental health crisis could be locked up in the hospital, rather than a prison cell, amid urgent local court battle.
Serious fire which threatened Alice Springs suburb ‘under investigation’
Authorities say a grass fire which threatened residents and homes in an Alice Springs suburb is now ‘under investigation’. Read the latest.