Independent MLA refers Chief Minister to ICAC over Woodside shares as she denies any wrongdoing

Blain MLA Mark Turner has referred the Chief Minister to ICAC over her shares in Woodside Energy, as Ms Fyles rejects any wrongdoing or possible breach of the ministerial code of conduct.

Members of Natasha Fyles’ cabinet have ignored calls for an emergency meeting to discuss her Woodside Energy shares, as she rejects any wrongdoing or possible breach of ministerial standards.

The Chief Minister on Thursday announced she would be divesting her 169 shares in the oil and gas giant, which she claimed did not pose a conflict of interest with her official role overseeing major gas projects in the Territory.

Speaking on Friday Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison said there had been no breach of the ministerial code.

Ms Fyles said there was “no conflict” and “I have been transparent with my interests and will continue to do so”.

Former Labor member and independent Blain MLA Mark Turner on Wednesday wrote to Ms Fyles’ cabinet members expressing his “profound unease” about the shareholdings and pointing to an apparent breach of the ministerial code of conduct.

Mr Turner also referred the matter to the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption.

Blain MLA Mark Turner referred Fyles’ shareholding to the ICAC. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Under the Northern Territory Ministerial code of conduct “ministers must divest themselves completely of all shareholdings … that may create a conflict of interest as a result of their portfolio responsibilities”.

In general, the ministers “should avoid situations in which their private interests conflict, have the potential to conflict or appear to conflict with their public duty”.

“A potential or perceived conflict of interest may also constitute a conflict of interest,” the code says.

Mr Turner in his letter said the situation presented “a substantial potential conflict of interest, particularly in the context of the Middle Arm industrial precinct”.

The Middle Arm Sustainable Development hub is the cornerstone of the government’s gas strategy, in which Woodside is involved through a proposed carbon capture, utilisation and storage hub.

“Our cabinet must urgently convene,” Mr Turner said.

“We must address this issue thoroughly … this may include discussing potential consequences, up to and including the Chief Minister’s resignation, to maintain the integrity of our government.”

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles maintains there was no conflict of interest in her shareholding and is divesting the 169. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Mr Turner questioned whether the Woodside shares had been declared as soon as they were acquired through the BHP-Woodside merger on June 1 last year.

The register of member’s interests shows Ms Fyles declared the shares on July 7 last year, and the BHP shareholding was declared in 2012 when she first joined the legislative assembly.

As of Sunday Mr Turner confirmed he had received no response to his letter from colleagues in government.

Mr Turner expressed concerns the matter was further complicated by Ms Fyles participation in the national cabinet.

In July Prime Minister Anthony Albanese introduced a new code of conduct for federal ministers banning them from owning any shares, however members of the national cabinet are not bound by the same code.

While details of national cabinet discussions are largely confidential, public releases show energy policy has featured heavily on the agenda, being raised in at least five meetings since Ms Fyles joined on her election to the top job in May last year.