The Northern Territory’s Acting Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) has today released a public statement following the conclusion of an investigation relating to NT WorkSafe, finding no evidence of improper conduct.
In the statement, Acting Independent Commissioner Against Corruption, Naomi Loudon said ICAC had conducted an investigation into alleged misuse of statutory powers, conflicts of interest and failure to disclose secondary employment at the NT Worksafe electrical inspectors’ unit.
“No improper conduct findings were made but shortcomings were identified including a lack of adequate management and supervision of inspectors, a lack of training of the inspectors concerning statutory interpretation and the exercise of their regulatory functions and powers,” the Acting Commissioner said.
The investigation also revealed there were instances of electrical safety inspectors engaging in electrical contracting work and/or maintaining an electrical contractor’s licence.
“An electrical inspector working for the NT WorkSafe while maintaining a commercial interest in the electrical industry presents an apparent and obvious conflict of interest,” she said.
“In response to matters identified in this investigation, NT WorkSafe have taken action to ‘require a suspension of any WorkSafe Electrical Inspector’s contractor licence during the period of their employment with NT WorkSafe’.”
Four recommendations have been made to address the risks identified:
- NT WorkSafe revisit Recommendations 10 and 13 of the 2019 final Report ‘Best Practice Review of Workplace Health and Safety in the Northern Territory’ and advise how these recommendations were actioned and implemented, as well as any further steps taken, or proposed to be taken;
- NT WorkSafe develop training specific to the discharge of powers conferred on authorised officers under the Electrical Safety Act, and this training be undertaken by all in the relevant unit;
- NT WorkSafe review its suite of notices and templates issued under legislation (including but not limited to the Electrical Safety Act), to ensure compliance with statutory requirements;
- NT WorkSafe develop and implement a policy relating to the disclosure of secondary employment to ensure any conflicts of interest are appropriately identified, disclosed and managed on an annual basis, or as required due to changes in circumstances. This should also include an annual audit to ensure compliance.
Ms Loudon said ICAC will work with the NT WorkSafe to monitor the implementation of these recommendations to ensure the risks of improper conduct that have been identified are appropriately addressed.
To view the public statement, visit:Â Public statements | Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC).
