NT Treaty Commissioner Mick Dodson at centre of NT government investigation

The Territory Government is investigating claims NT Treaty Commissioner Mick Dodson used sexually degrading language toward a woman and threatened her at a football match earlier this year.

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THE Territory Government is investigating claims NT Treaty Commissioner Mick Dodson used sexually degrading language toward a woman and threatened her at a football match earlier this year.

Professor Dodson – a former Australian of the Year – has been accused of calling the woman a “slut” and threatening to “knock her f***ing lights out”.

The claims stem from an incident at the member’s bar at TIO Stadium following the match between the NTFL and Glenelg on January 25.

Minister for Treaty and Local Decision Making Selena Uibo confirmed she received a complaint from the Aboriginal woman at the centre of the incident on March 30.

The Territory Government is investigating claims NT Treaty Commissioner Mick Dodson used sexually degrading language toward a woman and threatened her at a football match earlier this year. Picture: Justin Kennedy

“I took this complaint extremely seriously and immediately directed the CEO of the Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet to seek a formal response from the Commissioner,” she said.

“The issue was also referred to the ICAC, who also passed it on to the DCMC as an employment matter.

“There is now a formal process underway and I cannot comment further.”

Professor Dodson has neither admitted nor denied the allegations but says he has no recollection of the incident.

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A statement sent from his lawyer says:

“Professor Dodson has for many years been treated for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which emanates from childhood.

“Professor Dodson has no recall of the incident complained of and his medical practitioners inform the disassociation is a symptom of his medical condition.

“Upon being advised of the incident Professor Dodson’s immediate response to the complainant’s representatives was to agree with their description of the alleged conduct as being disgraceful. At the invitation of the complainant, Professor Dodson agreed to meet with her to discuss the matter and to extend his remorse as to the anguish she has suffered. The meeting has not eventuated.

“The medical advice given to Professor Dodson is that continued treatment will assist in managing and overcoming the effects of the PTSD. Professor Dodson requests privacy while he and his medical practitioners manage this complex medical condition.

“Professor Dodson will be continuing in his role as the Treaty Commissioner.”

The Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet has not responded to questions that were sent on Monday.

Ms Uibo does not have the power to remove the Treaty Commissioner from his position.

His position can be terminated by the Administrator if a resolution is passed by a two-thirds majority of the Legislative Assembly. No such action has been initiated.

The Administrator can also suspend the Commissioner if he becomes physically or mentally incapable of satisfactorily performing official duties.

Originally published as NT Treaty Commissioner Mick Dodson at centre of NT government investigation