Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro announces Greg Shanahan appointed NT ICAC boss

Territory taxpayers will continue to pay for two ICAC Commissioners for the services of one, with a ‘well known’ veteran public servant now appointed as the anti-corruption watchdog’s acting top boss.

Former NT Justice Department Greg Shanahan chief executive has been appointed acting ICAC Commissioner. Picture: Michael Franchi.

Territory taxpayers will continue to pay for two ICAC Commissioners for the price of one, with veteran public servant Greg Shanahan now appointed as the anti-corruption watchdog’s acting top boss.

On Thursday, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro announced Mr Shanahan would take over the position, with previous acting commissioner Naomi Loudon returning to her role as deputy ICAC to fulfil her ADF reservist duties.

Mr Shanahan enters the role with significant public servant experience, having served as the Chief Executive of the Department of Attorney-General and Justice for 14 years and most recently the Acting Deputy Chairperson of the NT Liquor Commission.

Mrs Finocchiaro says Territorians will continue to pay for two ICAC Commissioners. Picture: Harry Brill.

Speaking to his pay, Mrs Finocchiaro said Mr Shanahan would be paid the same amount as current ICAC Commissioner Michael Riches and Ms Loudon, effectively meaning Territorians would continue paying for two ICAC Commissioners.

Mr Riches has been on indefinite leave for about six months on almost $500k salary while an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour continues.

Mrs Finocchiaro said Mr Shanahan was qualified for the position.

“Mr Shanahan is well known for being a long term, high level public servant and for his contribution to justice right across the territory,” she said.

“He was commissioned by the previous Labor government to undertake a review into the ICAC act, and he’s overseen the creation of many scrutiny bodies right across the Northern Territory over his time, so he’s well placed to come in and take on this role of acting ICAC.”

Mrs Finocchiaro thanked Ms Loudon for standing in for six months.

“No one could have foreseen at the time that Ms Loudon was asked to step up and take on the role of acting ICAC Commissioner, that she would be in that role for six months and counting,” she said.