The Territory’s anti-corruption watchdog’s suspension following alleged “inappropriate behaviour” towards several female staffers will end on Sunday, before the investigation into his alleged conduct is complete, while Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has refused to comment on whether he will be reinstated to the role on Monday.
Michael Riches was placed on extended leave in mid-June until September 22, while the Office of the Public Employment Commissioner investigated allegations by “several” female staff members of inappropriate behaviour on his part. The allegations came to light while Mr Riches was being investigated by ICAC Inspector Bruce McClintock over his handling of domestic violence allegations levelled at him by his now ex-wife.
Well NT Independent, your well known for asking questions you already know the answer to…..
Just another part of Labor’s mess. I doubt Lia’s legal training would dispose her to making an announcement on this until investigations are completed. Riches should have quit long ago or never been appointed to the job in the first place.
Another question needing clarification is whether in respect of the ICAC Act, should Naomi Loudon even be Acting Commissioner?
If she has any sense she will sack both of them.
Nothing ceases to amaze me about the integrity of the NT Government. If it’s own IBAC officers are under a cloud, what hope is there for any semblance of political transparency? A very sad situation – and Territorians deserve much better from their public service and elected representatives.
From: iafinocchiaro [dot] net:
29 July 2022
LABOR MUST BE OPEN AND TRANSPARENT WITH ICAC
“This is simply one more incident in a long line of incidents that have decreased the credibility of the Labor Government, which came to government on a platform of integrity, transparency and responsibility.”
The pot calling the kettle black, if you ask me and my husband.