CLP Integrity Boosted as Labor MPs Violate Info Act
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has today passed legislation to modernise the Northern Territory’s integrity framework – on the same day three Labor MPs, including the Leader of the Opposition, were found to have breached the Public Information Act in a series of politically motivated social media posts.
Minister Steve Edgington said the timing of the Auditor-General’s findings highlights why these changes are necessary.
“Today’s report confirms what Territorians already know, Labor cannot be trusted. Three Labor MPs, including the Opposition Leader, misused taxpayers’ money to run political attacks and promote their own interests,” Mr Edgington said.
“Eight separate social media posts were found to have breached the Public Information Act because they promoted the interests of the Labor Party. The Auditor-General has recommended they be deleted. Territorians expect better.”
Minister Edgington said Labor sat on its hands for years while the integrity system became outdated and ineffective.
“Today, the CLP has cleaned up the mess. We’ve acted decisively to strengthen integrity, protect the independence of the Auditor-General, and give Territorians confidence that complaints will be managed fairly and transparently.”
Key changes include:
Oversight of the Public Information Act now rests with the Ombudsman, supported by consequential regulatory amendments.The Ombudsman will have sole discretion to investigate complaints-free from outside influence or political pressure.If the Ombudsman declines a request from a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), they must notify the MLA of that decision.
The reforms implement recommendations from the independent 2024 Strategic Review of the Auditor-General’s Office, which warned the existing model risked politicising the Auditor-General and undermining its core responsibilities.
All open matters under the Act will now be transferred from the Auditor-General to the Ombudsman, ensuring continuity of oversight.
https://nt.gov.au/