ICAC whistleblower will formally respond to criticisms directed at her by Commissioner Ken Fleming

A WHISTLEBLOWER’S barrister will be permitted to give evidence to the Budget Estimates Committee on Thursday in response to ICAC Commissioner Ken Fleming.

ICAC Commissioner Ken Fleming. Picture: Che Chorley

• Chief Minister says ICAC Commissioner’s comments at Budget Estimates were ‘unwise’
• McClintock unable to take action against Fleming due to parliamentary privilege
• Police Association president Paul McCue says ICAC Commissioner’s position is ‘untenable’
• ‘Jealousy’ caused the leaks about alleged conflict of interest in ICAC
• Probe into ICAC’s internal contract deal

UPDATE

A WHISTLEBLOWER’S barrister will be permitted to give evidence to the Budget Estimates Committee on Thursday in response to ICAC Commissioner Ken Fleming.

Chairman Joel Bowden confirmed John Lawrence SC had been granted approval to present to the committee on behalf of his client, a former ICAC employee who claims Mr Fleming tried to disparage and expose her when he appeared before Budget Estimates last week.

A WHISTLEBLOWER who reported allegations of inappropriate conduct within the anti-corruption watchdog has asked to formally respond to ICAC Commissioner Ken Fleming, after he attacked her during a parliamentary hearing.

The whistleblower’s barrister, John Lawrence SC, hand delivered the request to Budget Estimates Committee chairman Joel Bowden last night, amid calls for a public inquiry into ICAC’s operations.

“I’m hoping that they will grant leave for my client to be allowed to make a submission and also present evidence in person,” Mr Lawrence said.

While the government has already ordered a review of the ICAC Act, the Opposition last night called for a “full-scale parliamentary probe”, saying it will move a motion in parliament today to have the inquiry established.

“Territorians have lost confidence in the ICAC Commissioner and the Commission following a range of errors in process and judgment,” Deputy Opposition Leader Gerard Maley said.

“The Chief Minister’s backdoor report further erodes public confidence.”

Mr Fleming criticised the whistleblower during his appearance at Budget Estimates last Tuesday, the same day Sky News and the NT News revealed his office was being investigated over allegations it awarded lucrative contracts to the boyfriend of its director of investigations.

MORE POLITICS NEWS

Senate votes to probe Beetaloo Basin fracking

New Nationals leader and Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce headed for Darwin to support Sam McMahon at CLP preselection

Youth bail laws’ impact not yet clear, as 44 youths arrested since May

During his appearance, Mr Fleming said he knew who had provided the information for the story, claiming the person was a disgruntled former employee who was motivated by jealousy.

“We gave her a notice that we intended to terminate her employment while still under probation at about the 10th month of her probation,” he said.

“She immediately made what she considered to be a protected communication to me, she then complained as she is entitled to do to the Inspector.”

Mr Lawrence said the Commissioner’s comments were misleading and defamatory.

“He made all kinds of suggestions and accusations and allegations of impropriety, arguably theft,” he said.

While ICAC Inspector Bruce McClintock has confirmed he is investigating the allegations of a conflict of interest within the ICAC, he has said he is unable to take any action against Mr Fleming over his comments at Budget Estimates because they are protected by parliamentary privilege.

But under parliamentary rules, a person who believes they have been adversely affected by comments made under privilege can apply to respond, either in person or in writing.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner told MIX FM on Monday the Government would not stand in the whistleblower’s way if they wanted to respond to Mr Fleming.

But Mr Lawrence said the issue required further investigation, calling for a public inquiry.