On the 28 of February, the Delegate of the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption, Patricia Kelly SC, made a public statement pursuant to section 55 of the ICAC Act.

The Delegate made a finding of unsatisfactory conduct by a senior executive public officer in relation to the management of a conflict of interest in a recruitment process and she made two recommendations for process improvements.  

I acknowledge the media relating to this statement and that it relates to a recruitment process I chaired.

Since publication of the ICAC public statement, I have communicated with the Minister for Police and kept her informed as to the progress of the recommendations.

My role as the Commissioner is to ensure there is trust and confidence in the Northern Territory Police Force, the service it provides and its internal governance.

In the previous 12 months a number of appointments have been made to the positions of a Deputy Commissioner, three Assistant Commissioners, five Commanders and 18 Superintendents.

These appointments have been awarded to the most meritorious and best candidates, each of whom is a strong, intelligent and innovative leader who has shown dedication to serving our community. The successful appointees are working to a high standard to look after our community and are providing effective leadership to a modern police force. 

I accept that I should have dealt better with a conflict of interest, a friendship and a referee report in relation to an appointee. On reflection, I  should have managed the friendship and the conflict of interest to a higher standard and on at least one occasion should have recused myself from the appointment process in order to ensure community confidence.

I have accepted the two recommendations made by the ICAC and have commenced the process of implementing them. I am committed to developing a clear written policy position for police executive recruitments, and to developing an education and training program for all members that gives clear guidance for the identification, disclosure and management of conflicts of interest. Amongst other things, this will deal with issues relating to conflicts of interest. I have instructed that these policy positions be implemented as a priority so that the guidance applies to any future appointments.

* This statement was updated at 1625 on 06 March 2025