NT Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Michael Riches condemns ‘lackadaisical’ governance

The corruption watchdog has said a risky culture of misconduct has emerged in the Territory in a scathing annual report.

NT Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Michael Riches has called out a lazy and careless approach to internal governance among Territory public bodies in his latest annual report. Picture: Supplied

The Territory’s corruption watchdog has condemned a “lackadaisical” approach to governance which has allowed the culture of potential misconduct to flourish.

NT Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Michael Riches has called out a lazy and careless approach to internal governance among Territory public bodies in his latest annual report.

Mr Riches said while he had not observed “wide‑spread or systemic corrupt conduct” there was a concerning pattern across public bodies including a failures to abide by proper process, a lack of clear policies and systems, and limited effective management and audit processes.

“Much of what I have observed is not the consequence of intentional wrongdoing, but rather what I think is a lackadaisical approach to good governance, effective management and robust process,” he said.

The corruption chief said an environment of “scarce rescources” in many public bodies had led to a focus on service delivery, as opposed to risk management and supervision.

“Such an environment can lead to inconsistent approaches to functions and, critically, an enhanced risk that serious impropriety will go unnoticed,” Mr Riches said.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles did not respond to the ICAC’s critique about poor internal governance or public body resourcing.

“We uphold the importance of the ICAC as part of a government that values openness, accountability and transparency,” Ms Fyles said.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles did not respond to the ICAC’s critics about poor internal governance or resourcing: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

In 2022-23 there were 330 reports to the NT ICAC containing 358 allegations of misconduct.

Mr Riches said 15 of these allegations were the subject of a preliminary inquiry, while 14 had evolved into an ICAC investigation.

He said another 131 allegations were sent back to the relevant public bodies, so that they could investigate the allegations of dishonesty, fraud, and the falsification of resume experience.

Mr Riches said the most common complaint was about conflicts of interest, which he said were “inevitable” the Territory’s small size.

“Having a conflict of interest is not, in itself, a sign of impropriety. But a failure to disclose and properly manage that conflict can have significant repercussions,” he said.

Almost three-quarters of all complaints were in relation to Top End public bodies, followed by Central Australia and the Big Rivers.

Mr Riches also warned that misconduct was going unreported and called for the review and expansion of whistleblower protections.

“I am confident that some public officers do not report matters to me for fear of retaliation,” he said.

Mr Riches said he would release a report into whistleblowers once the tabled ICAC bill passed parliament.

Ms Fyles said a ICAC Bill currently before the house would strengthens whistleblower protections, with a two year jail threat to anyone who identifies a protected person.

It also provides for journalist privilege during an investigation and would bar new ICAC staff having any political affiliation within the past 10 years.

Originally published as NT Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Michael Riches condemns ‘lackadaisical’ governance