Michael Riches referred to ICAC Inspector over domestic violence allegations

The Territory’s ICAC boss is under investigation for domestic violence allegations based on rumours and one LinkedIn post.

Allegations made against NT ICAC Michael Riches in a LinkedIn post have been referred to the ICAC Inspector. Picture: Office of the ICAC/Supplied

The head of the Northern Territory corruption watchdog is being investigated after his estranged wife made a social media post accusing him of a decade of domestic violence.

Allegations levelled at Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Michael Riches were referred to the ICAC Inspector after being published in the NT Independent this week.

Mr Riches told the online news site there was no substance to the claims, which have not been alleged or proven in court:

“Any assertion that I have engaged in domestic violence is not only false, but deeply offensive and highly defamatory,” he said.

The NT Independent based its reporting on “rumour in some legal and political circles in Darwin” and a since-deleted LinkedIn post.

A screenshot of the post shows Jen Riches laying on some rocks, reflected in a nearby pool of water.

“Recently, I visited Bali and had some professional photos done to signify my new lease of (sic) life,” she wrote in the caption.

“This photo signifies the DV I experienced over the past 10 years.

“This picture says a thousand words. It is an artistic photo that conveys how I feel.

“I am safe today.”

Jen Riches in Bali, shared in a separate LinkedIn post.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler said she received an email from Mr Riches on Monday, detailing the allegations put to him by the NT Independent.

Ms Lawler then wrote to the ICAC Inspector about the allegations, who confirmed he would investigate the matter.

Ms Lawler said she would wait for the Inspector’s report before making any comments.

“I’ll let the ICAC Inspector make those recommendations and decisions,” she said.

“It is not up to a politician of any colour, any stripe, to comment on, or to have any say over what the ICAC Commissioner does.

“The Commissioner is an independent statutory position – it’s not up to me.”

The ICAC declined to comment. Jen Riches has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Michael Riches referred to ICAC Inspector over domestic violence allegations