The Northern Territory's anti-corruption boss has revealed he closed numerous investigations due to capacity constraints after taking on his role last year.
He has also has warned that ongoing budget reductions will "inevitably" reduce his ability to tackle improper conduct in the public sector.
In his latest annual report, Independent Commissioner Against Corruption, Michael Riches, has outlined the issues his office has faced since he replaced former commissioner Ken Fleming in July, 2021.
Mr Riches said one of his main initial concerns was that the ICAC office was handling 56 separate probes.
"On commencement, I was concerned that the number of investigations underway was beyond the capacity of my resources," he said.
He said some did not warrant investigation, were not relevant to his office's jurisdiction, or had not been actioned for up to two years.
"In all, I determined to adopt 11 investigations as mine to continue," Mr Riches said.
"Other matters were either closed or referred to another agency for consideration."
Mr Riches said other challenges his office has faced included:
- a $1.4 million reduction in the ICAC office's current annual budget
- a significant turnover in staff over the past year
- an inability to fill vacant positions in the office
- reputational damage after an employee was charged by police.
ICAC probes taking longer than expected
Mr Riches said his office currently has 17 active investigations, many of which involve complex facts and "have taken longer to complete than I would have hoped".
While his office would continue to adapt to its "changed budgetary conditions", he warned there would be direct impacts.
"A reduction in resources will inevitably mean a reduction in my capacity to discharge statutory functions," Mr Riches stated.
According to the report, the investigations currently underway relate to various issues, including:
- Disclosure of information
- Improper procurement processes
- Improper use of public resources
- Abuse of office
- Destruction of evidence
The report also notes the ICAC office received 364 allegations in the past financial year, a reduction of about 100 allegations from the previous year.
Many of the allegations related to misconduct and unsatisfactory conduct, and were referred by the ICAC to other agencies to handle.
Audit reveals 'significant matter'
In his report, Mr Riches also outlined the impact on his office after a staff member was charged over the unauthorised disclosure of information.
"The adverse effect that such conduct has on the reputation of this office is not lost on my staff and me," Mr Riches stated.
"My expectations of staff remain high and departures from standards will be addressed."
The annual report also revealed an external audit conducted by the Auditor-General had raised issues with the former commissioner Ken Fleming's superannuation and long service leave.
"A significant matter [was found] relating to the entitlements of the former Commissioner that were not correctly accounted for over a period of three financial years," the report noted.
"The [ICAC] office recognised the superannuation liability as soon as it became aware of the understatement in prior years due to the set-up of the former commissioner's payroll details."
No details about the financial implications of the issue were disclosed.
However, the report noted that other relevant government agencies were contacted "to ensure entitlements are correctly calculated and accrued for the current and future commissioners".
