The NT’s scientific inquiry into fracking has made an extraordinary public statement over former Chief Minister Adam Giles.
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Mr Giles employment by Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting was the subject of several submissions to the inquiry.
But inquiry chair Justice Rachel Pepper today said she did not support any investigation into Mr Giles move from public office more than a year ago.
She said claims made to the contrary on ABC Radio National were wrong.
Justice Pepper said she had not supported suggestions made by the public at a community forum held by the Inquiry at Jilkminggan on August 22, that the former Chief Minister’s employment by Hancock be investigated by some form of anti-corruption body.
The community forum at Jilkminggan was one of 13 regional forums hosted by the Inquiry as part of evidence gathering which followed the release of the Interim Report.
Some members of the public have expressed the view that there is a perceived conflict of interest arising as a consequence of the employment of Mr Giles by Hancock, the holder of EP 154, an exploration permit which was granted by the Minister for Resources, while Mr Giles was the then Chief Minister.
“I have never supported or endorsed any commentary associated with any perceived conflict of interest consequent upon the employment of the former Chief Minister Adam Giles by Hancock Prospecting, or the granting of EP 154 to Hancock," Justice Pepper said.
“Coverage from ABC Radio National today suggesting that have I supported an anti-corruption investigation into Mr Giles’ conduct in this context is misleading and disappointing.
“During the forum some attendees raised concerns about a perceived conflict of interest between the granting of EP 154 to Hancock while Mr Giles was Chief Minister, and Mr Giles’ subsequent employment by Hancock, and that the matter should be investigated further. At no point in time did I state that the Inquiry would refer Mr Giles to any anti-corruption body and at no point in time did I state that the Inquiry would consider making a recommendation to the NT Government to this effect.
“Not only does the Inquiry not have the power to make such a referral under the Inquiries Act (NT), such action would be beyond the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference.
“The Inquiry has, however, received written submissions expressing a concern about this matter.”
The inquiry is only weeks away from handing down its draft final report.