NT ICAC launches investigation into Blain MLA, govt to decide if privileged information will be released

BLAIN MLA Mark Turner is being investigated by the Northern Territory’s corruption watchdog, Chief Minister Michael Gunner has confirmed

BLAIN MLA Mark Turner is being investigated by the NT’s corruption watchdog but information on his electronic devices can’t be accessed unless parliament lets it happen.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner, in parliament on Wednesday, revealed the Independent Commissioner against Corruption had launched an investigation into Mr Turner.

As part of the investigation, the ICAC obtained three mobile phones and a laptop from the Blain MLA.

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But the ICAC’s officers have been blocked from accessing the information on those devices because “Mr Turner and his legal representatives” claim that they may contain matters that attract parliamentary privilege.

Blain MLA Mark Turner. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

ICAC Commissioner Ken Fleming QC, in his letter to Mr Gunner, has requested parliament authorise access so that investigators can look at all the material and determine what they can extract.

The ICAC has not asked to access privileged information, only that they need permission, under law, to access the devices at all.

Mr Gunner, noting the “importance of timeliness” and the “impact” those rules have on the investigation, moved a motion that parliament authorise the disclosure of the information contained within the devices to the ICAC.

Kenneth Fleming QC. Picture: Che Chorley

This includes the caveat that the Solicitor-General, or a representative, is present when ICAC looks through the material so that the lawyers can rule if the information is privileged or not.

The motion will be debated in parliament on Thursday.

The NT News approached Mr Turner’s office, via email, for a response.

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Mr Turner is also set to face the parliament’s privileges committee.

Mr Fleming, in his letter to Mr Gunner, did not specify what he is investigating Mr Turner for.

Separately, Mr Turner was booted from Labor caucus in February after the so-called Blain bonking brouhaha, in which he lied to the Chief Minister about the extent of his extramarital affair with a woman.