ICAC whistleblower’s response to Commissioner Ken Fleming’s criticisms of her to be made public

A whistleblower’s response to comments made against her by ICAC Commissioner Ken Fleming will be made public.

A whistleblower’s response to comments made against her by ICAC Commissioner Ken Fleming, pictured, will be made public. Picture: Keri Megelus

• ICAC whistleblower will formally respond to criticisms directed at her by Commissioner Ken Fleming
• ‘Jealousy’ caused the leaks about alleged conflict of interest in ICAC
• Probe into ICAC’s internal contract deal

A WHISTLEBLOWER’S response to comments made against her by ICAC Commissioner Ken Fleming will be made public.

Barrister John Lawrence presented evidence on behalf of the whistleblower in a closed hearing before the Budget Estimates Committee on Thursday.

Following a request from Mr Lawrence, the committee authorised his written submission and the relevant part of his oral submission be made public when the transcript is completed.

That is likely to occur on Friday.

Mr Fleming had been giving evidence the same day Sky News and the NT News revealed his office was being investigated by the ICAC Inspector Bruce McClintock over allegations it had awarded lucrative contracts to the boyfriend of its director of investigations.

Mr Fleming had told the committee the whistleblower had made a complaint to the ICAC Inspector immediately after being told her employment would be terminated.

He also claimed the former employee had acted out of jealously and said she had property including a mobile phone and laptop that belonged to the ICAC.

He said he would be reporting that matter to the police.

MORE:

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’

Mr Lawrence had previously said Mr Fleming’s evidence at the Budget Estimates Committee last Tuesday had been misleading and defamatory.

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

The scandal surrounding the ICAC has prompted calls for a public inquiry.

But the government yesterday shut down a proposal from the opposition to have the ICAC’s performance examined by a select committee of parliament.

Deputy opposition leader Gerard Maley said: “The CLP opposition is staunch in its position that any review of the ICAC legislation must be conducted with public submissions and public hearings,” he said. “It shouldn’t be a secret report by the Chief Minister, who seems to forget the ICAC isn’t a government tool.”

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said he wanted to wait until receiving a report into the allegations in the ICAC from Inspector Bruce McClintock before deciding whether further action was warranted. “We must avoid the dangerous precedence of political interference in the ICAC process,” he said.

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