Complaints

Making a complaint

You can send a letter or email marked "Private and Confidential" detailing the complaint to

Inspector of the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption
GPO Box 4396
DARWIN  NT  0801

Email address: inspector@oiicac.nt.gov.au

So that the Inspector can understand and deal with your complaint please give as much information as you can in answering the following questions:

  1. What is the nature of your complaint against the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (the ICAC) and/ or his staff?
  2. When did the issues you complain of occur (Date/Year)?
  3. What are the names of and positions held by the staff of the ICAC against whom you are complaining?
  4. Is there a file number concerning any complaint that you made to the ICAC?
  5. What are the names and contact details of any witnesses who can give evidence to support your complaint?
  6. Are there documents or other material which support your complaint and if so, can you send them (or copies) to the Inspector to examine?
  7. Are you employed in the Northern Territory public sector or any Northern Territory local government body?
  8. Do you wish to keep your identity confidential from the ICAC or any other persons (and if so from whom) and why?

How your complaint will be handled

The Inspector accepts complaints in writing by mail or email.

Files are created for all complaints so that they can be securely stored and managed.

Acknowledgement letters will be sent to a complainant by mail or email.

The Inspector will examine documents and any other form of information provided by a complainant.

A preliminary examination will be conducted to determine whether the Inspector has the power to consider the complaint, that is, that it concerns conduct of the ICAC or his staff.

The Inspector is entitled to deal with a complaint in any manner he considers appropriate but, if it is accepted for consideration, will inform the ICAC of the complaint and seek its response.

In addition, the Inspector may do the following:

  • require the ICAC to produce files and any other documents or material relevant to the complaint;
  • interview witnesses, including the complainant;
  • request and examine documents and material from persons and agencies other than the ICAC.

The Inspector may be assisted by his staff or by persons engaged as consultants under section 142 of the Act.

The time required to deal with the complaint will vary depending on the complexity of the issues raised and the volume of information that needs to be reviewed. As a general guide however, the Inspector attempts to finalise all assessments within one month of receiving a complaint.

In dealing with a complaint that may be protected under Part 6 of the Act (Whistleblower Protection) the Inspector will follow the procedures as set out in the Whistleblower Protection Guidelines for managing such disclosures. These procedures ensure that the identity of the person making the disclosures is kept confidential and the person is protected as effectively as can be from any action that may be taken against them in reprisal for making a complaint.

What factors does the Inspector consider in dealing with a complaint?

When dealing with a complaint against the ICAC, the Inspector will consider:

  • the available information
  • whether a complaint is within jurisdiction
  • the seriousness of the issues raised and whether they raise concerns about public confidence in and integrity of the ICAC
  • the age of the conduct complained about and the likelihood of uncovering relevant evidence on further investigation and the relative cost and benefits of doing so.