Former Turf Club chairman Brett Dixon speaks out after permanent withdrawal of ICAC report

‘Questions remain’ over the conduct of the NT’s former ICAC following the sensational withdrawal of a report into the Darwin Turf Club, according to the man at the centre of the controversy.

“QUESTIONS remain” over the conduct of former NT corruption watchdog Ken Fleming QC, following the sensational withdrawal of a report into the Darwin Turf Club, according to former Darwin Turf Club (DTC) chairman Brett Dixon.

Current Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Michael Riches agreed to permanently withdraw the report by his predecessor into a $12m grant to the DTC on Tuesday, after a partially successful court challenge.

In response, Mr Dixon said there were “salutary lessons to be learned from this experience”.

“What happened to me and other volunteers of a non-government organisation should sound a stark warning as to the risks of reposing extraordinary powers in so-called independent corruption agencies,” he said.

Brett Dixon.

“Many questions remain about the conduct of the former commissioner, including the association between the former commissioner and one media outlet in particular.

“The now defunct ICAC report has divided and severely damaged a great club but hopefully the withdrawal of the report will start a healing process within.

“I remain immensely proud of the work that I and the previous board at the Turf Club achieved in ensuring that the club was heading towards self-sustenance and the community of the Territory have the benefit of world class racecourse facilities.”

Mr Dixon confirmed the permanent withdrawal of the report had rendered his own court challenge unnecessary and it would now be discontinued, along with that of his business partner, Matthew Moss.

“This brings an end to a distressing chapter in my life which has taken an enormous toll on me, my family and my businesses,” he said.

“It has also had a huge impact on the Turf Club which I was proud to serve almost 20 years, four as vice-chairman and 13 as chairman.

Ken Fleming QC.

“Some of those years included, disappointingly, the former Chief Minister (Michael Gunner) whose cabinet without question approved the grant to the club, used the report to justify a relentless campaign of undermining me, the club and my hardworking volunteer colleagues on the board at the time.

“For over a year now since the report was published, I have lost friendships, had to endure hateful comments on social media, and had my character assassinated. In both business and my social life, I have had to deal with the stigma of the unsound findings when I have never been referred, charged or convicted of anything, ever.”

Mr Fleming has been contacted for comment.