Chief Minister
Media Release McClintock-Hiley Report recommends a new Integrity and Ethics Commission for the NT
4 September 2025
In July 2025, the Finocchiaro CLP Government commissioned Inspector of the NT Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) and Inspector of the NSW Law Enforcement Commission, Mr Bruce McClintock SC, and the Hon Graham Hiley AM RFD KC, Acting Supreme Court Judge of the Northern Territory to conduct a review into the structural models for statutory integrity offices in the Northern Territory.
This review was necessary due to the continued loss of public confidence in the ICAC, following a series of documented challenges since its inception in 2018.
The McClintock-Hiley Review found that there has been damage to the public reputation and standing of the ICAC, and that public standing must be re-established.
The McClintock-Hiley Report makes clear, it would not be responsible to continue with the current model and would lead to suboptimal results.
Following recent receipt of the McClintock-Hiley Report, the Government has carefully considered and accepted its recommendations in full tabling a copy in Parliament today and publishing online for the benefit of all Territorians.
The McClintock-Hiley Report recommends the establishment of a new Integrity and Ethics Commission.
This new body will strengthen the work of the ICAC, the Ombudsman, the Information Commissioner, and the Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner, while also providing shared services support to the Auditor-General, who will remain outside and independent of the new Commission.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said there has long been community debate about the ICAC's performance.
"There is clear concern in the community about ICAC's effectiveness, particularly given that Territorians have spent $35 million on the ICAC since it began.
"Since coming to Government, we have been clear that the ICAC is an important integrity function, but changes are needed to restore confidence and ensure it can operate effectively.
"The McClintock-Hiley Report makes clear doing nothing is not an option. In accepting the McClintock-Hiley Report in full, we are confident it will strengthen integrity functions and restore public standing.
"I thank both Mr McClintock and Justice Hiley for their important work shaping a stronger and more robust integrity framework for the Northern Territory."
Mr McClintock has directly briefed the Acting ICAC, Auditor-General, Acting Ombudsman, and Acting Health Complaints Commissioner.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the ICAC will receive a briefing on the Report from the Inspector of the ICAC and he will be available to brief the Opposition and Independent members prior to the next Parliamentary sittings.
Interim arrangements are in place for the ICAC, Ombudsman, and Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner to ensure continuity while this important reform progresses.
A copy of the report is now available on the website. [http://cmc.nt.gov.au/integrityreview]
