ICAC apologises to Turf Club board member over secret recording

Michael Riches has issued an extraordinary apology to a former Darwin Turf Club board member after a senior investigator covertly recorded an informal ‘chat’ without her knowledge.

INDEPENDENT Commissioner Against Corruption, Michael Riches, has issued an extraordinary apology to a former Darwin Turf Club board member after an investigator covertly recorded an informal “chat” without her knowledge.

Anya Lorimer said she was invited to a public cafe for a “chat” during the corruption watchdog’s investigation into a $12m government grant for the DTC’s new grandstand in September 2020.

Ms Lorimer said she “spoke honestly and freely” during the conversation and “at one point I even said I was glad this is not being recorded or something to that effect”.

Ex-DTC board member Anya Lorimer. Photograph: Che Chorley

“On the face of it, this was … to glean information from someone who was a volunteer on a board, who was not under investigation,” she said.

“It’s totally undermined my trust, and I believe it was … unethical.”

Ms Lorimer said it was unclear who authorised the recording and the meeting was accompanied by a gag order threatening jail time if she “disclosed anything about the seeming informal chat”.

Mr Riches, who said he was informed of the incident less than two weeks ago, said he “felt compelled” to break with his longstanding policy of not commenting on matters arising from before his tenure, saying he was “surprised and disappointed that it occurred”.

Mr Riches said while it was not illegal in the NT to record conversations without the other person’s consent, “in my view, that is not the issue”.

“In my opinion the meeting should not have been recorded without the witness’s knowledge,” he said.

“I have told my investigations team that such conduct is not to occur while I am Commissioner.

“While there may be occasions where secret recordings of conversations may be appropriate for investigative purposes, this wasn’t such an occasion. It should not have happened and I have apologised to the witness in person.”

ICAC Michael Riches.

Mr Riches said for the “critically important” work of the ICAC to be effective, it relied on the trust of those coming forward to provide information.

“While it is frustrating to have to continually address historical issues, I remain committed to getting on with the job, and doing the job well,” he said.

Mr Riches said the decision to secretly record the conversation was “suggested, and approved, by persons who are no longer employed in my office” and the matter had been referred to ICAC Inspector, Bruce McClintock SC, who declined to comment.

“I regard the question whether I have received, or not received a complaint, as confidential,” Mr McClintock said.

The public statement on the controversial grandstand made adverse findings against a number of individuals, including former DTC chairman Brett Dixon, but made no criticism of Ms Lorimer. Mr Dixon has denied any wrongdoing.

Originally published as ICAC apologises to Turf Club board member over secret recording