The Finocchiaro CLP Government has moved to fill two independent statutory roles with one temporary acting commissioner, after the Children’s Commissioner resigned in disgust with the government’s policies last month and the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner’s contract was not renewed following his public criticism of the government.

Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby issued a statement Thursday morning to announce “acting arrangements” have been put in place to “ensure the continuity of the independent roles” by appointing former acting ombudsman and information commissioner Bronwyn Haack to fill both roles for three months.

“These are important independent statutory roles that support Territorians and help maintain confidence in our systems,” Ms Boothby said.

“It is critical that both offices continue to operate effectively, and these arrangements ensure there is no disruption to their important work.”

Former children’s commissioner Shahleena Musk sensationally resigned last month ahead of the CLP pushing through its controversial child protection legislation that has been roundly criticised by Indigenous groups, legal bodies, human rights groups and national child safety organisations amid concerns it is now easier for Aboriginal children to be placed permanently with non-Indigenous carers or group homes.

Ms Musk claimed she had been sidelined by the government over the development of the reforms and that her decision to resign “reflects growing concerns about the current environment for independent oversight, evidence-based policy development and transparent decision-making in the Northern Territory”.

She added last month that independent statutory offices play a vital role in good governance that the she was “increasingly concern[ed] by trends that suggest a reduced commitment to transparency, accountability and evidence-based decision making”.

Meanwhile, Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Jeswynn Yogaratnam accused the CLP Government last year of “attacking” his agency’s independence by attempting to tie its funding to support of government policies. He also said the CLP’s tough on crime agenda had the potential to create “racist outcomes”, while also publicly opposing changes to the Anti-Discrimination Act last year.

Mr Yogaratnam told ABC last September the anti-discrimination commission was struggling with funding allocations and had been asked to justify further funding by explaining how his agency was working to further the CLP’s political slogan of “rebuilding the economy, restoring the Territory lifestyle and reducing crime”, which he said reflected a “great misunderstanding of how statutory bodies work”.

“My mandate has never been to serve the priorities of the government of the day – that would be undemocratic if I did so,” he told the NT News last month. “We are a watchdog, not a lapdog.”

Ms Boothby did not renew his contract last week.

Ms Haack will act in the two commissioner roles for three months while recruitment processes are underway, with Ms Boothby praising her credentials.

“Bronwyn Haack is a highly experienced statutory office holder with a strong background in law, justice and governance,” she said, adding the staff in both offices were experienced and “will continue to deliver their important statutory functions”.

The government typically says it has commenced a national recruitment process for independent statutory roles, but said on Thursday only that “recruitment processes are underway” to fill the Children’s Commissioner and Anti-Discrimination Commissioner roles.