An anti-corruption commissioner on paid leave for nearly a year has resigned after the completion of a report into claims of inappropriate behaviour in his office.
The resignation of Michael Riches has prompted the Inspector of the Northern Territory's Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) to terminate further investigation into the matter.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said in a statement her predecessor Eva Lawler had referred workplace allegations within the office of ICAC to the Commissioner for Public Employment for investigation.
Ms Finocchiaro received the report last week and it was referred to the ICAC Inspector to determine any further action.
Mr Riches, appointed in July 2021 and understood to be on a salary of about $500,000, tendered his resignation on Tuesday.
The ICAC Inspector informed the chief minister he exercised his discretion to terminate further investigation as it was "no longer in the public interest and is an unnecessary expenditure of territory resources".
"As a new government we share the community's frustrations regarding the length of time and costs in which this whole process has taken," Ms Finocchiaro said.
In June 2024, then chief minister Lawler said ICAC Inspector Bruce McClintock found Mr Riches had not "improperly offered $20,000 to his former wife to suppress an allegation of domestic violence".
AAP is not suggesting Mr Riches committed any criminal acts or broke the law.
Ms Lawler said the inspector advised her Mr Riches was not fit to carry out his duties and would need time to focus on his health and recovery, the ABC reported at the time.
The Commissioner for Public Employment report will be made public with redactions to take into account privacy and confidentiality concerns.
The acting ICAC commissioner would remain in the role, Ms Finocchiaro said.
