This morning, His Honour the Honourable Chief Justice Michael Grant AO KC, the Acting Administrator of the Northern Territory appointed Mr Greg Shanahan PSM as Acting Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) as Ms Naomi Loudon returns to her role as Deputy ICAC following over six months as Acting ICAC.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro reaffirmed her government’s commitment to ensuring a strong and functional ICAC in the Northern Territory.
Chief Minister Finocchiaro also acknowledged the contributions of Ms Loudon, who stepped up as Deputy Commissioner to take on the role and served as Acting Commissioner since June 2024.
“Acting Commissioner Loudon stepped up when called upon to provide continuity to the office during a challenging period. I thank her for her service,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.
“Ms Loudon has asked to return to her substantive role as Deputy ICAC in order to pursue Defence Reserve obligations in the New Year.”
“No one could have foreseen the situation where the ICAC Commissioner remains on leave with full pay, since June 2024. The advice from the ICAC Inspector is clear; Mr Riches should not return to work until the Office of Public Employment process has resolved.”
“Accordingly, approval of Mr Riches leave has been progressed.”
“By bringing Mr Shanahan into the role of Acting ICAC, we can give confidence to the staff at the office of ICAC and the community that, until all matters are resolved with Mr Riches, the work of the ICAC can proceed uninterrupted.”
“Today’s appointment will allow the office of the ICAC to move forward and continue to perform its critical role in ensuring integrity and accountability in the Northern Territory.”
“Mr Shanahan brings extensive experience and a robust understanding of public sector governance and the ICAC Act. His significant leadership credentials will ensure the continuity and integrity of the office.”
A born and bred Territorian, Mr Shanahan served as the Chief Executive of the Department of Attorney-General and Justice for 14 years and was most recently the Acting Deputy Chairperson of the NT Liquor Commission. In 2021, he was tasked with reviewing the ICAC Act, with his preliminary recommendations outlined in the January 2022 Discussion Paper.
Throughout his career, Mr Shanahan has dealt extensively with major statutory independent offices including the Anti-Discrimination Commission, the Children’s Commissioner, the Information Commissioner, the Racing and Gaming Commission, the Licencing Commission, Judicial Officers in the Supreme and Local Courts, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Office of Public Interest Disclosures, which was the predecessor to the ICAC.
In 2020, Mr Shanahan was awarded a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to the justice system in the Northern Territory.
