Speaker Ngaree Ah Kit made the warning after an independent audit commissioned by the NT Electoral Commission following the 2020 election was released

TERRITORY MLAs have been warned that any “suspected misuse” of taxpayer-funded electorate allowances can be investigated by the NT’s corruption watchdog

Speaker Ngaree Ah Kit warned that any “suspected misuse” of taxpayer-funded electorate allowances can be investigated by the NT’s corruption watchdog. Picture: Che Chorley

TERRITORY MLAs have been warned that any “suspected misuse” of taxpayer-funded electorate allowances can be investigated by the NT’s corruption watchdog.

Speaker Ngaree Ah Kit made the warning as sittings began for the week today, with the move coming after an independent audit commissioned by the NT Electoral Commission following the 2020 election was released.

But beyond asking MLAs to learn the rules and stick to them, there remains no oversight body or reporting criteria when it comes to the generous allowances politicians are afforded, which range from $62,000 to $121,000 a year depending on geographic spread.

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In a two-page statement circulated to parliamentarians, Ms Ah Kit pointed out a particular rule within the Remuneration Tribunal’s latest determination.

Apart from informing MLAs that the government will pay for their office electricity bill but the cleaning costs fall on politicians, the rule states “the member must ensure that the office is not used for commercial or electioneering purposes”.

The auditor behind the latest report, BDO NT, recommended sitting MLAs be “educated on the guidelines” on the “use or prohibition of” electorate office resources during the election period.

It came after they found instances where MLAs were unclear about what was allowed when it comes to how they used electoral office resources.

“It is incumbent upon all Members to make sure they are educated on the guidelines relating to the use or prohibition of electorate office resources during the election period,” Ms Ah Kit said.

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“The guidelines referred to are in place, and it is the individual responsibility of each and every Member to ensure compliance.”

Lack of oversight of electoral allowances has also been raised previously by the Independent Commissioner against Corruption.

Commissioner Ken Fleming said the expenditure of the allowance was “far from transparent” and this could increase the risk of misuse.