ICAC Commissioner Ken Fleming takes holidays following Estimates appearance

ICAC Commissioner Ken Fleming QC has taken leave following an extraordinary appearance at Budget Estimates.

Kenneth Fleming QC is taking leave following his appearance at NT Estimates. Picture: Che Chorley

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ICAC Commissioner Ken Fleming QC has taken leave following an extraordinary appearance at Budget Estimates where he attacked a whistleblower and threatened to pursue a journalist to reveal his sources.

Mr Fleming’s office last night confirmed he had taken a holiday. He is believed to be in Central Australia.

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“Commissioner Fleming is currently on a short prearranged leave,” ICAC communications and engagement officer Helen Shih said.

“He had to alter his leave at a significant personal cost as it was booked prior to the announcement of Estimates’ dates. He will be returning at the end of the week.”

Mr Fleming will leave his position on July 5.

Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Kenneth Fleming QC. Picture: Keri Megelus

This week, Sky News and the NT News revealed his office was being investigated over allegations it awarded lucrative contracts to a company owned by the boyfriend of a senior director.

ICAC Inspector Bruce McClintock SC has confirmed he is investigating how contracts were awarded to GAT Risk Management – a company owned by former South Australian police officer David McGinlay, whose domestic partner is ICAC Investigations Director Kate Kelly.

The investigation was revealed on the same day Mr Fleming fronted Estimates where he claimed the conflict had been properly managed and complaints to the ICAC Inspector had been made by a disgruntled employee who was driven by jealousy. He also said he intended to pursue the matter “and I should add that section 127A of the uniform evidence act does not apply to a journalist in hearings before me as the ICAC”.

His comments prompted Chief Minister Michael Gunner to write to Department of Chief Minister chief executive Jodie Ryan asking that the issues of journalist privilege be considered as part of a review of the ICAC Act, being conducted by Greg Shanahan.

“I understand that people need to be able to do their jobs, but I also acknowledge that no one is above the law when it comes to corruption,” Mr Gunner wrote.