NT has ‘awful problem’ with conflicts of interest ICAC boss says during budget estimates day 1

THE Territory has an “awful problem” with conflicts of interest and it would be “wise” for politicians and senior bureaucrats to have ethics experts brought in the NT’s peak anti-corruption watchdog has said

Mr Kenneth Fleming QC, the Northern Territory Independent Commissioner Against Corruption fronts the Budget Estimates. Picture: Che Chorley

THE Territory has an “awful problem” with conflicts of interest and it would be “wise” for politicians and senior bureaucrats to have ethics experts brought in the NT’s peak anti-corruption watchdog has said.

Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) Kenneth Fleming QC, fronting day one of budget estimates on Monday, said the “unity” of Territorians was a powerful force that presented a “significant problem” when it comes to propagating conflicts-of-interest.

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Reiterating a previous call by the NT Ombudsman, Mr Fleming said it would be “wise” to follow in the footsteps of Tasmania and Queensland and install ethics advisers in government, as the ICAC cannot give “individual advice” about potential personal conflict-of-interest issues.

ICAC’s latest annual report revealed 8 per cent of the 385 allegations it received last financial year related to “inadequate management of conflicts of interest”

Mr Kenneth Fleming QC, the Northern Territory Independent Commissioner Against Corruption fronts the Budget Estimates. Picture: Che Chorley

It comes as Mr Fleming revealed ICAC had completed 13 investigations in the last five months, double the six investigations it finalised in 2019/20.

Those reports haven’t been released to the public and may never be if Mr Fleming deems it isn’t in the “public’s interest”.

He confirmed two of the 13 investigations had found no improper conduct and no further action would be taken, while he is yet to make a determination on the future of a “number” of completed investigations.

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The ICAC is set to reveal by January at the latest, via a question on notice, how many of the 19 investigations completed since July had been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions or sent back to relevant government agencies.

The ICAC’s budget for 2020/21 is $7.3m, more than double the $3.3m it had been originally allocated for 2019/20.