NT ICAC: Michael Riches, ICAC in limbo as behaviour probe continues

A senior Territory corruption buster will continue to pocket his $500k salary, despite being under investigation – as a report was tabled in parliament.

The role of the Northern Territory’s Independent Commission Against Corruption and it’s Commissioner, Michael Riches, remains in limbo as an investigation into his behaviour continues.

In a statement released late on Thursday, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said a special report from the ICAC Inspector tabled in parliament outlined how Mr Riches’ absence was impacting the commission’s office and “a number of significant reports and items of work”.

NT Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Michael Riches remains on leave. Picture: Office of the ICAC/Supplied

“The investigation being undertaken by the Commissioner for Public Employment into the allegations against Commissioner Riches remains ongoing,” Ms Finocchiaro said.

“The Inspector of the ICAC has advised that it would be inappropriate for Commissioner Riches to return to work before that investigation is finalised.

“Commissioner Riches therefore remains on leave.

“I am conscious of the impact this issue continues to have on the staff of the office of the “ICAC and the broader standing of the office in the community.

“Naomi Loudon remains acting Independent Commissioner Against Corruption.”

In his report, ICAC Inspector Bruce McClintock said he was unable to fulfil various sections of the ICAC act because of a three month lapse in his employment between September and December 2023.

Acting Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Naomi Loudon. Picture: LinkedIn

Despite this, he concluded that, “while there are positive aspects to the performance of the OICAC, it is difficult to be wholly satisfied with the performance … over the period

I am considering”.

“The work of the agency has undoubtedly been disrupted by the fact that the Independent Commissioner Mr Michael Riches has been on leave since early June 2024 continuing to the date of this report.”

In June, Mr Riches was cleared of any wrongdoing after paying his estranged wife $20,000 on the condition she withdrew a domestic violence order application against him.

However during the investigation conducted by NT ICAC Inspector Bruce McClintock SC, separate allegations of inappropriate behaviour were made by Mr Riches’ staff.

Mr Riches was not charged with any criminal wrongdoing and has previously denied the domestic violence allegations. He also denied any wrongdoing towards his staff, saying he had always acted in a professional manner toward them.

Mr Riches was placed on leave of absence with his full $500,000 a year annual salary while the allegations made by his staff were investigated.

Originally published as NT ICAC: Michael Riches, ICAC in limbo as behaviour probe continues