NT Independent

‘Territory credibility’: Integrity and Ethics Commissioner appointment processes questioned by integrity bodies

The Labor Opposition has congratulated the Finocchiaro CLP Government for its picks to lead the new Integrity and Ethics Commissioner office, while integrity experts still hold concerns the process of appointments has eroded public confidence, particularly around the unadvertised role of chief executive that will be filled by former AFP and NT police commissioner Reece Kershaw, with one integrity expert describing the current situation as akin to a sad “satire”.

Government delays safeguard recommendations to quickly pass new Heritage bill

The Finocchiaro CLP Government says it will implement proposed safeguards to the Heritage Act 2011 recommended by the Legislative Scrutiny Committee at a later date, including restricting a minister’s ability to delegate powers, and will instead apply the recommendations through ‘administrative policy’ after passing the bill, which comes amid criticism the committee was swamped with legislation and the public was only given one week to voice concerns.

Ram raid, supermarket ransacked, attempted bank robbery in Tennant Creek

Three teenagers have been charged after allegedly ram raiding the Sporties Club in Tennant Creek early Saturday morning, while police are also investigating a supermarket break-in, an attempted bank robbery, and another business burglary in the town’s main street on Sunday, NT Police said.

‘Loaded-up party budget’: Extra $1m to ‘support’ Administrator; another $2m for exclusive events

The Finocchiaro CLP Government has inexplicably chosen “canapes over cost-of-living relief” for Territorians in last week’s budget, critics say, after directing an additional $1 million to controversial Administrator David Connolly’s office and a further $2 million it didn’t have last year to Protocol NT – the body that organises official government functions and special invite-only events.

Swastika tattoo charge laid after five-month investigation

NT Police spent five months looking for a man with a swastika tattoo on his leg and have now charged him over the alleged offensive ink, but have not laid drug charges after he was allegedly found with “items indicative of drug supply”.

Former police commissioner appointed CEO of new Integrity and Ethics body, old ombudsman named commissioner

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has named two controversial picks to lead the newly established Integrity and Ethics Commissioner agency, with former Ombudsman Peter Shoyer appointed commissioner and former police commissioner Reece Kershaw appointed chief executive of the new anti-corruption body that will replace the ICAC amid unresolved questions about the potential for political interference. Mr Kershaw is close friends with current NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole.

NT Criminal Court list – with charges – May 18

The 225 names facing criminal courts in the Northern Territory for Monday May 18, 2026. This list includes all the charges.

CLP MLA sacked staffer for refusing to ‘falsify’ constituent details in secret party database: Fair Work submission

One of CLP backbencher Clinton Howe’s former electorate officers has filed an unfair dismissal application with the Fair Work Commission stating she was fired because she refused to “falsify electorate information” in a database that secretly stores personal information about constituents for the Country Liberal Party and was subjected to bullying and “unreasonable” micromanaging in the office.

Five boys arrested after stolen car pursuit in Alice Springs

Five boys aged 13 to 16 have been arrested after allegedly stealing a car, leading to a police pursuit and the use of tyre spikes to stop it, NT Police said.

Review of NT’s child protection system called as legislative reforms introduced to Parliament

Former New South Wales police commissioner Karen Webb, who has connections with staff in the Chief Minister’s office, has been appointed by the CLP Government to lead an “independent review” into the Territory’s child protection system, along with former acting ICAC Greg Shanahan, which was called this morning in response to the abduction and alleged murder of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby in Alice Springs.