Police investigate NT’s anti-corruption watchdog

Police are investigating allegations of misconduct within the Northern Territory’s anti-corruption watchdog.

POLICE have launched an investigation into allegations of misconduct within the Northern Territory’s anti-corruption watchdog, Sky News has reported.

The investigation into the Office of the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption – codenamed Operation Hundt – is being conducted by the NT Police Special References Unit, which investigates sensitive political matters including conflicts of interest and corruption.

The unit has taken detailed statements from several witnesses, including former employees of the O/ICAC. No charges have been laid.

Police confirmed the investigation to Sky News.

“NT Police are investigating an historical matter involving the Office of the ICAC,” police said in a statement.

“As this investigation is ongoing no further detail will be provided.”

It’s understood the investigation is looking into several issues, including the decision to award investigation contracts to former South Australian police officer David McGinlay.

Mr McGinlay’s defacto partner Kate Kelly was the O/ICAC’s Director of Investigations when he was awarded the contracts. Mr McGinlay and Ms Kelly did not return calls or respond to requests for comment.

The matter was previously investigated by ICAC Inspector Bruce McClintock, who dismissed complaints over the handling of the conflict of interest between Ms Kelly and Mr McGinlay.

Mr McClintock found “the conflict of interest, if any, was recognised and appropriately managed”.

But Mr McClintock’s report also identified allegations of “bullying and intimidation” within the office and fears of “retribution” for those who spoke out.

Commissioner Michael Riches ordered his office to stop using external contractors for investigations after he took over from the previous commissioner, Ken Fleming QC, on July 6.

Ms Kelly resigned in August citing personal reasons.

At the time Mr Riches said he had been impressed by her professionalism, skill and commitment and was sorry to see her leave.

When asked if his office was co-operating with the police investigation, Mr Riches pointed to a previous statement he issued in August.

“I should not, and will not, speculate on the outcome of any investigation into allegations against staff within my office, in the same way that I will not speculate on the outcome of an investigation that I conduct,” he said in that statement.

Mr Riches addressed criticism of his office in a report tabled in the NT Parliament last month.

“I will not offer a view as to whether some or all of those criticisms have been fair,” he said.

“An organisation such as this will always be the subject of scrutiny. Criticism, whether fair or unfair, is inevitable.

“Suffice to say as a team we have learned a great deal from past challenges and we are focused on getting on with the job.”

Originally published as Police investigate NT’s anti-corruption watchdog