ICAC assessment reveals staffing issues and lagging investigations
The NT’s anti-corruption watchdog has received a lukewarm assessment exposing staffing issues, failed KPIs and not a single examination - explained in part due to office renovations.
Northern Territory
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The Northern Territory’s anti-corruption watchdog has received a lukewarm assessment exposing staffing issues, failed KPIs and not a single examination conducted over the last financial year.
The Office of the independent Commissioner Against Corruption NT annual report revealed only 20 per cent of investigations were completed within six months – against a target of 60 per cent – and 40 per cent dragged on more than a year.
A separate assessment of performance by ICAC Inspector Bruce McClintock SC found significant disruptions caused by Commissioner Michael Riches going on indefinite leave in June.
Mr Riches’ future with the agency remains in limbo as the Commissioner for Public Employment investigates allegations of inappropriate behaviour made by ICAC staff.
“The work of the agency has undoubtedly been disrupted by the fact that the independent Commissioner has been on leave … as a result, several reports in respect of OICAC operations have not been completed,” Mr McClintock in his report wrote.
In the last financial year the OICAC received 268 reports alleging improper conduct, launched 11 investigations and finalised 15.
Inspector McClintock withheld from commenting on the ICAC’s decisions about what to investigate, noting the ICAC “must be permitted a wide discretion” where to focus its limited resources.
The Inspector did criticise some “unsatisfactory” performance, including the OICAC’s failure to meet significant KPIs, or to conduct any witness examinations over the assessment period.
“Such examinations are a tool of investigations and it is surprising that none occurred,” he said.
In a response, Acting Commissioner Naomi Loudon said examinations were not pursued due to renovations in the office limiting access to the hearing room, alongside Commissioner Riches’ focus “on the voluntary provision of material” from witnesses and “building collaborative relationships through co-operation”.
Under the ICAC Act there is limited use which can be made of compelled evidence obtained during examinations, she said, therefore examinations were not used as the primary method of obtaining evidence.
Inspector McClintock said none of his findings should be interpreted as a criticism of the OICAC staff, who “worked hard” to do their jobs in “unquestionably difficult circumstances”.
As at September, only 16 of 28 roles were filled, leaving the office 41 per cent understaffed.
“Staff morale and job satisfaction have been low for some time and continue to be so,” he said.
“There are a number of causes such as the disruption resulting from the independent Commissioner’s leave and the events leading up to it.”
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