NT ICAC Michael Riches to remain on leave indefinitely after allegations of inappropriate behaviour

The Northern Territory anti-corruption commissioner will remain on indefinite leave following allegations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ towards staff, despite initially being expected to return to work this week.

The Northern Territory anti-corruption commissioner will remain on indefinite leave with an almost half a million dollar salary following allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”, despite initially being expected to return to work this week.

In June Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Michael Riches was cleared of any wrongdoing after paying his estranged wife $20,000 on the condition she withdrew a domestic violence order application against him.

However during the investigation, which was led by NT ICAC Inspector Bruce McClintock SC, separate allegations of inappropriate behaviour were made by Mr Riches staff.

Mr Riches was not charged with any criminal wrongdoing and has previously denied the domestic violence allegations.

He also denied any wrongdoing towards his staff, saying he had always acted in a professional manner toward them.

NT Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) Michael Riches. Picture: Office of the ICAC/Supplied

Mr Riches was placed on leave of absence with pay while the allegations made by his staff were investigated by the Commissioner for Public Employment.

Chief Minister at the time Eva Lawler said Mr Riches would return to work on Monday or at the conclusion of the investigation process.

The Chief Minister’s office confirmed on Tuesday the investigation was ongoing, and Mr Riches was on continued leave.

“The acting ICAC Ms Naomi Loudon will continue to act in the role while Mr Riches is on leave,” the spokesman said.

“As is the usual case for matters of this nature, to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the individuals involved, no further comment will be made on the matter.”

In June Public Employment Commissioner Nicole Hurwood said she had secured the services of “an appropriately qualified and experienced investigator from interstate” to undertake the investigation in staff complaints “given the serious nature of the matters and the high-profile role of the individuals involved”.