Office of the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Conflicts of interest

19 December 2023

Recently matters have been brought to my attention relating to conflicts of interest, lobbying and related matters. They will be addressed. I do not intend to comment further at this stage.

Without taking any view on the matters that have been raised with me, I repeat what I have said publicly on numerous occasions. The proper identification, disclosure and management of conflicts of interest is essential to integrity in public administration.

While there is no obligation to do so, I invite all members of the Legislative Assembly to proactively disclose to me any financial or personal interests that may conflict, may be perceived to conflict, or may potentially conflict, with their official duties. I think such proactive disclosure would be wise, notwithstanding that those disclosures may have been made in other forums.

I also urge all public officers, regardless of their position or seniority, to take the time to review and update any disclosures that have been made, or are required to be made. Careful consideration should be given to whether any of those interests are in conflict, or could be perceived to be in conflict, with their duties. Where such a conflict exists, immediate action is to be taken to disclose those conflicts so that they can be properly managed.

Public officers ought not disregard this advice.

Michael Riches

Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (NT)

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