ICAC calls on NT Parliament to crack down on MLA behaviour

THE NT Parliament has failed to use its powers to investigate the conduct of the last three governments’ MLAs, the Territory’s peak anti-corruption body has warned

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THE NT Parliament has failed to use its powers to investigate the conduct of the last three governments’ MLAs, the Territory’s peak anti-corruption body has warned.

In making a series of 10 recommendations, the Independent Commissioner against Corruption found the Legislative Assembly had failed to address the “widespread and persistent disquiet” into the conduct of some members over the years.

ICAC Commissioner Ken Fleming QC also found MLAs and their staff had a practice of communicating sensitive work information using private online messaging services, which could have a “considerable security impact”.

Speaker of the House Kezia Purick during the first sitting of the 2019 parliamentary year. Picture: Justin Kennedy

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The lack of transparency over how electorate allowances are used was also concerning, Mr Fleming found, as it was “difficult to determine” whether or not the behaviour of members was in line with community expectations.

“A lack of oversight also increases the risk that members will misuse government resources,” he stated.

There was also a “lack of guidance” around the conduct and ethical standard expected of MLAs’ personal staff and the performance and management framework that applies to them, though Mr Fleming noted this was being looked at by his Public Employment counterpart.

“This investigation indicated an unhealthy culture of personality existed within the Speaker’s Office,” he said.

“It observed occasions of unwavering loyalty towards members to the detriment of the staff member.

“It has also highlighted the unique integrity challenges faced by those working among members in a highly political and often closed environment.”

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Mr Fleming’s recommendations, aimed at the Deputy Speaker or Clerk and in some instances the Chief Minister, includes ethics, anti-corruption and proper conduct training for MLAs, and creating a code of conduct for the personal staff of MLAs and training them to follow those rules.

He also recommended educating and training all current and future MLAs on how to reduce information security risks and advising them that “approved communications” methods have to be used for all parliamentary business.