18 June 2021
The Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA) is disgusted by the grandstanding of the Commissioner Ken Fleming QC during estimates this week.
The ICAC is not beyond scrutiny itself, and yet despite the day before stating it would not be appropriate to comment further on a matter as it was before the Inspector, less than 24 hours later Mr Fleming has once again improperly used a public platform, in this case to threaten to out a whistleblower who has exercised their right to lodge a complaint.
This behaviour demonstrates utter contempt for his own office and it appears he has clearly forgotten his own Mission statement and ICAC values.
“The ICAC Commissioner's appointment is now clearly untenable, and the fact he remains is a reflection on the weak leadership of Chief Minister Michael Gunner, who is the responsible Minister," NTPA President Paul McCue said.
"The whole concept of protection of witnesses who come forward with allegations of corrupt behaviour is fundamental to the success of ICAC.
"But is seems when that whistleblower is complaining about the ICAC itself, they will be threatened with exposure by the Commissioner charged with protecting them.
“Our members are held to the upmost scrutiny, far more than what appears the Chief Minister and ICAC Commissioner are.
"This double standard doesn’t pass the pub test and is reflective of the Chief Ministers inability to differentiate leadership from loyalty.”
ENDS
Please direct all media enquiries to media@ntpa.com.au or by phone +61 (0) 8 8995 9520
The Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA) is the industrial voice of all members of the Northern Territory Police Force. Read more via www.ntpa.com.au or join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NTPoliceAssociation
