Former NT Ombudsman Peter Shoyer recommended as the inaugural Integrity and Ethics Commissioner, alongside integrity expert Bruce McClintock SC as Oversight Inspector.
The reforms will establish a new Office of the Integrity and Ethics Commissioner, bringing key integrity functions together under a stronger independent framework aimed to restore public confidence.
Mr Reece P Kershaw APM appointed CEO of the new Office of the Integrity and Ethics Commissioner.
Following a national recruitment process overseen by an Advisory Panel chaired by the Hon Justice Peter Barr of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory, respected former NT Ombudsman Mr Peter Shoyer has been recommended for appointment by the Administrator, with the recommendation to be put to Parliament tomorrow in accordance with legislative requirements.
The motion of appointment will also recommend nationally recognised integrity expert Mr Bruce McClintock SC as the inaugural Integrity and Ethics Oversight Inspector.
The appointments deliver another key reform arising from the independent McClintock-Hiley Review after years of Labor failing to maintain public confidence in Territory integrity institutions.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said Territorians deserved a strong and stable independent integrity system.
"Under Labor, confidence in the Territory's integrity system had been badly damaged," Mrs Finocchiaro said.
"Restoring trust and confidence through the new Integrity and Ethics Commission is critical.
"For the first time, the Territory will have a dedicated Integrity and Ethics Commissioner bringing key integrity functions together under a stronger and more transparent framework."
Mr Shoyer is a highly respected Territorian, who brings more than 30 years' experience in independent statutory and executive appointment, including serving as Northern Territory Ombudsman from 2012 to 2024, Information Commissioner from 2018 to 2024, Register-General and Public Trustee, as well as Principal Officer of the NT Judicial Commission.
Mr McClintock is nationally respected for his work in integrity oversight and currently serves as Inspector overseeing the ICAC framework. His appointment will provide continuity and confidence as the Territory's new integrity system is established.
The reforms will also establish the Office of the Integrity and Ethics Commissioner, creating a stronger independent integrity agency for the Northern Territory.
Mr Reece P Kershaw APM has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer and will work closely with existing acting integrity office holders to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements.
Mr Kershaw brings more than 37 years of law enforcement and executive leadership experience, including serving as Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police and Northern Territory Police Commissioner.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the appointments reflected the Government's commitment to delivering lasting reform.
"These reforms are about making sure Territorians can have confidence in the integrity of public administration and the people entrusted to serve them," she said.
"We are delivering stronger oversight, better governance and real accountability for Territorians."
The Office of the Integrity and Ethics Commissioner is expected to become operational in the first half of 2026.
