ICAC NT boss Michael Riches investigating more secret recordings by staff

ICAC NT boss Michael Riches has confirmed he is investigating the use of secret recordings by staff for ‘several’ conversations with members of the public.

THE Northern Territory’s anti-corruption watchdog has covertly recorded several conversations with members of the public.

Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Michael Riches has confirmed he is investigating the use of the secret recordings, which occurred under his predecessor Ken Fleming QC.

The NT News this week revealed an ICAC officer had covertly recorded Darwin Turf Club board member Anya Lorimer after asking her to come for an informal chat at a Darwin café.

Mr Riches has apologised to Ms Lorimer and said he was “surprised and disappointed that it occurred”.

He has now confirmed there were several occasions where ICAC officers covertly recorded conversations with members of the public.

“I have been advised that there have been other occasions, although I am advised that none relate to the Darwin Turf Club matter,” he said.

“I have directed that I be provided with a full briefing on the circumstances of each occasion so that I can form a view whether further action needs to be taken.”

He did not detail how many times ICAC officers had secretly recorded conversations.

NT Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Michael Riches is investigating the use of secret recordings, which occurred under his predecessor Ken Fleming QC. Picture: Office of the ICAC/Supplied

The NT News has confirmed through various sources that the conversation with Ms Lorimer — as well as other secretly recorded conversations — were listened to and in some cases transcribed by other ICAC employees.

Mr Riches said at this stage he would not comment on who had listened to the conversations.

“The use made of the recording (with Ms Lorimer) will likely be considered in the context of my report to the Inspector, or in proceedings presently before the Supreme Court,” he said.

Mr Riches said the recordings were not illegal but would not be allowed to occur under his watch.

“No law was broken in relation to the recording of Ms Lorimer,” he said.

“However … in my view it was entirely inappropriate to have recorded the conversation with Ms Lorimer in those circumstances.

“I have made it abundantly clear that such recordings will not take place while I am Commissioner without my express written authority.

“The matter is now with the inspector and I will of course abide by any recommends he makes.”

The Darwin Turf Club, former chairman Brett Dixon and former board member Damien Moriarty have all launched Supreme Court action over the ICAC’s damning report into the Government’s awarding of a $12m grandstand at the club, which was built by Mr Dixon’s company Jaytex Constructions.

Jaytex general manager Matthew Moss is also taking legal action.