ICAC investigation launched into TIO Stadium, Minister exempts it on the same day

The Infrastructure Minister exempted the TIO Stadium grandstand from requiring an occupancy permit on the same day the ICAC moved to investigate its use.

THE Independent Commissioner Against Corruption has launched an investigation into the use of TIO Stadium without an occupancy permit, on the same day Infrastructure Minister Eva Lawler declared such a certification would not be required for the facility.

In a government gazette on Wednesday, Ms Lawler said the building would be exempted from requiring an occupancy certification until June 30.

Territory laws require any building be certified as safe before use, and can only be issued “when items affecting health, safety and amenity are in place and fully operational”, according to the NT government website.

When contacted for comment by the NT News, ICAC commissioner Michael Riches confirmed he had launched an investigation on Wednesday into "certain matters” related to the Grandstand Base Building of the Marrara Sports Complex.

The ICAC Commissioner said the grandstand at TIO Stadium has never had an occupancy permit.

“The investigation I have commenced follows matters that have been brought to my attention about the facility and its compliance with the Building Act 1993, together with correspondence and information that I have received over the last several weeks from members of government, and others,” Mr Riches said.

“The facility does not have, and has never had, occupancy certification.”

Section 65 of the Building Act 1993 stipulates that a Minister may “by Gazette notice, declare in relation to a building or building work … that occupancy certification is not required”.

The same section states it is an offence for anyone to occupy a building unless it has an occupancy permit, or has been exempted by a minister.

Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Eva Lawler issued a ministerial gazette on the same day ICAC launched an investigation.. Picture: Floss Adams.

Section 66 goes on to say that: “A person may not promote or conduct a public assembly in a place, building or temporary structure unless an occupancy permit has been granted which permits its use for that purpose”.

There is no suggestion Ms Lawler is under investigation.

In response to questions from the NT News, Ms Lawler insisted the government would cooperate with any ICAC inquiry.

“Territorians have been using and enjoying TIO stadium for 30 years,” Ms Lawler said.

“The absence of an occupancy permit is a longstanding issue. DIPL is working to rectify this. Certification is expected to be finalised as soon as possible. A short-term exemption through a gazette notice has been issued in the interim.”

Originally published as ICAC investigation launched into TIO Stadium, Minister exempts it on the same day