Stone defends Fyles as Labor turns its back on fallen hero

ICAC boss Michael Riches has delivered a stern warning to NT politicians in the wake of Natasha Fyles’ resignation.

The Independent Commissioner Against Corruption has cautioned politicians and public office holders in the Northern Territory to ensure they have no conflicts of interest in the wake of the resignation of Chief Minister Natasha Fyles.

In a statement released Tuesday, Commissioner Michael Riches said “matters have recently been brought to my attention around conflicts of interest, lobbying and related matters”.

“They will be addressed,” he said.

“I do not intend to comment further at this stage.

“Without taking any view on the matters that have been raised with me, I repeat what I have said publicly on numerous occasions. The proper identification, disclosure and management of conflicts of interest is essential to integrity in public administration.

NT ICAC Commissioner Michael Riches appearing before Estimates. Picture: NT Government/Office of the Speaker.

“While there is no obligation to do so, I invite all members of the Legislative Assembly to proactively disclose to me any financial or personal interests that may conflict, may be perceived to conflict, or may potentially conflict, with their official duties.

“I think such proactive disclosure would be wise, notwithstanding that those disclosures may have been made in other forums.

“I also urge all public officers, regardless of their position or seniority, to take the time to review and update any disclosures that have been made, or are required to be made.

“Careful consideration should be given to whether any of those interests are in conflict, or could be perceived to be in conflict, with their duties. Where such a conflict exists, immediate action is to be taken to disclose those conflicts so that they can be properly managed.

“Public officers ought not disregard this advice.”

Ms Fyles resignation came after revelations of an undeclared parcel of shares in South 32, which owns the Gemco manganese mine.

It followed the disclosure last month that she had shares in resources company Woodside and that a Labor government adviser was a registered Tamboran lobbyist.

Former CLP chief minister Shane Stone. Picture: Evan Morgan

On a day when her Labor Party colleagues rounded on her, Ms Fyles found an unlikely ally in CLP president and former chief minister Shane Stone.

“She was attending a family funeral, wasn’t she?” Mr Stone said.

“While I am certainly critical of the way her share portfolio was handled, I think the way Labor has manoeuvred against her while she’s attending a family funeral says more about them than it does about her.”

Two of Labor’s three Canberra-based federal politicians gave the chief minister a touch-up on the way out.

Samara Laverty speaks at the funeral of her son Declan. Picture: Brendan Radke

Solomon MP Luke Gosling said resignation was the only course of action open to Ms Fyles.

“The resignation of the Chief Minister was the only acceptable course of action,” he said. “The Northern Territory Government has a huge task ahead of it. They must learn the lessons of previous NT Governments and work together, not focusing on themselves but rather on the Territorians they have been elected to serve.”

Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said Ms Fyles resignation was “appropriate”.

“I commend her for the achievements she has made including finalising enterprise agreements to get better pay for workers, leading the NT through much of the Covid pandemic and advocating for the Territory’s fair share through national cabinet,” she said.

“I know Natasha will continue to work to serve the people of Nightcliff with the energy and enthusiasm she is so well known for.”

Samara Laverty, whose son Declan was allegedly murdered in March while working in a bottleshop, said Ms Fyles’ resignation had to happen.

“Everything that has happened has been by her own choices,” she said.