Probe into ICAC’s internal contract deal

The Territory’s anti-corruption watchdog is being investigated over allegations it awarded lucrative contracts to a senior director’s boyfriend.

Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Ken Fleming QC. Picture: Regi Varghese

THE Territory’s anti-corruption watchdog is being investigated over allegations it awarded lucrative contracts to a senior director’s boyfriend.

ICAC Inspector Bruce McClintock SC is investigating the decision to award the contracts to conduct several high-level investigations to GAT Risk Management – a consultancy business owned by former South Australian police officer David McGinlay, who is the company’s sole employee.

Former police officer David McGinlay

Mr McGinlay’s domestic partner, Kate Kelly, is the ICAC’s investigations director.

“I can confirm that I have received a complaint asserting a conflict of interest has arisen in respect of dealings between the OICAC and Mr McGinlay,” Mr McClintock said.

“I anticipate concluding my investigations into the matter and presenting a report to the responsible minister in the near future.”

Mr McGinlay was accused of being involved in “corrupt activities” during a 2003 parliamentary inquiry but the allegations were never substantiated and he was never charged with any offence.

The inquiry examined his role in the mid-1990s with the Wood Royal Commission in New South Wales, where he had been seconded from South Australia to work as an investigator.

Former NSW Police and National Crime Authority detective Mick McGann told the inquiry officers seconded to the commission – including Mr McGinlay – had intimidated and bullied witnesses.

“In one instance one of my colleagues was contacted at his home late at night by investigator David McGinlay, who was seconded from the South Australian police force,” Mr McGann said.

ICAC NT Inpsector Bruce McClintock. Picture: NCA NewsWire/James Gourley

“He stated he was acting on behalf of Mr James Black, counsel assisting Justice (James) Wood.

“In this instance this colleague of mine was intimidated by McGinlay, who indicated to him they wanted him to change his evidence to something more suitable.”

The inquiry led to the establishment of a secret police taskforce – codenamed Peachface – that investigated allegations against officers of the Wood Royal Commission.

However, no adverse findings were made against Mr McGinlay and no criminal charges were laid against him.

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

Mr McGinlay declined to comment on any of these matters when contacted on Monday.

The NT News also put a series of questions to the ICAC about the relationship between Mr McGinlay and Ms Kelly and the decision to award the contracts to Mr McGinlay’s company.

They included questions about how many contracts had been awarded to Mr McGinlay’s company, the value of those contracts, what background checks had been conducted before his company was awarded the work, and what role, if any, Ms Kelly had played in awarding the contracts.

Commissioner Ken Fleming said: “The matter you refer to is currently the subject of a report to the ICAC inspector. We are co-operating fully and welcome the inspector’s oversight on the matter. As it is before the inspector it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”

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