ICAC Inspector Bruce McClintock flies to Darwin to investigate commissioner Michael Riches

The man who oversees the NT ICAC is in Darwin as he investigates accusations that Michael Riches offered his estranged wife $20,000 to withdraw a DVO application filed against him.

ICAC Inspector Bruce McClintock SC is in Darwin to investigate allegations that Territory ICAC commissioner Michael Riches offered his estranged wife $20,000 to withdraw a DVO application filed against him. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

The man who oversees the Territory anti-corruption body has arrived in Darwin for his investigation into allegations that ICAC Commissioner Michael Riches offered his estranged wife $20,000 to withdraw a domestic violence order filed against him.

Inspector of the NT Independent Commission Against Corruption Bruce McClintock SC flew in on Tuesday, and is due to meet with Chief Minister Eva Lawler on Friday.

In his role as the watchdog’s watchdog, Mr McClintock is entitled to full access to ICAC offices and records, and can recommend disciplinary action or criminal prosecution.

The ICAC and ICAC staff members are also obligated to give the Inspector “all reasonable assistance” in his investigation.

Ms Lawler said Mr McClintock’s investigation report would be tabled to parliament, but could not confirm when that would be.

“I think it needs to be cleared up quickly – also for the ICAC Commissioner, he’s in a very difficult position and it does need to be cleared up,” she said.

She did not know what would be on the agenda for her meeting with the Inspector, she said, assuming “he’ll be questioning me about when did I know, and what did I do”.

Ms Lawler said she would also ask Mr McClintock for his expected timeline for the investigation.

NT ICAC Commissioner Michael Riches with his now-estranged wife Jen Riches. Picture: Supplied

Mr Riches is currently on unplanned personal leave after being referred for investigation over unverified domestic violence allegations made by his former partner Jennifer Riches.

This week it was revealed Mr Riches offered Ms Riches $20,000 – part of an early settlement in an unrelated matter – on the condition her DVO complaint be withdrawn before it was due to be made public in May last year.

The offer was also “contingent upon Mr Riches remaining in his employment at ICAC”, legal correspondence noted.

Ms Riches did withdraw the DVO application, and Mr Riches agreed to a two-year domestic violence undertaking banning him from contacting his estranged wife.

The agreement involved no admission of guilt, and there is no suggestion of criminal wrongdoing by Mr Riches.

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said the government was right to refer the matter to the ICAC Inspector.

“He is the appropriate person to get to the bottom of all the allegations being made, and we support that process,” she said.