Last Thursday, I received a briefing from the ICAC regarding Operation Apollo.
ICAC advised me I could not take any steps that could identify the individual or any detail beyond a public statement intended to be issued the next day.
On Friday, the ICAC released a public statement on Operation Apollo which outlined the restriction on identification of the individual and release of information.
The ICAC stated they had made "two recommendations which address the improper conduct risk in recruitment and which the public body has accepted."
The unsatisfactory conduct detailed in the ICAC's public statement is disappointing and falls well short of the expectations the community places on the public service, especially senior executives within the public service.
In my briefing with the ICAC, I was advised that the public statement should serve as an educational tool for the public sector.
Following the release of the ICAC's public statement as Chief Minister, I wrote to the Chief Executive of the Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet asking that he work with the Commissioner for Public Employment to advise what action is being taken to ensure public sector agencies are fully aware of their obligations to ensure appropriate conflict management and recruitment practices are occurring throughout government.
On Monday, I received advice from the Solicitor-General confirming the ICAC's previous advice.
I share the same frustrations as the community surrounding this whole situation.
Since it was established, Territorians have paid more than $35 million to operate the Office of the ICAC.
It is clear more needs to be done than what we inherited from Labor to give confidence to Territorians that the Territory's integrity functions are fit for purpose.
