Sixty-nine ACT public sector misconduct investigations have been halted over the past five years after the staff involved left the service, according to figures obtained by independent MLA for Kurrajong Thomas Emerson through Budget Estimates questioning.
The numbers, equivalent to roughly one stayed investigation a month, point to gaps in accountability at senior levels of the ACT Public Service, Emerson said. Public Sector Standards Commissioner investigations are meant to uphold the integrity of public institutions, and the figures suggest it is too easy for those facing misconduct allegations to sidestep accountability by leaving the service, he argued.
Senior officials should not be able to end an investigation simply by resigning, Emerson said, particularly where a departure comes with a payout. “This practice sends the message to public servants with the courage to call out wrongdoing that their allegations might never see the light of day,” he said.
The figures follow the resignation of former Canberra Institute of Technology chief executive Dr Margot McNeill, who left the role with a $445,000 payout amid unresolved concerns about her conduct. It remains unclear whether any investigation into her alleged misconduct will be completed or whether findings will be made public.
Read the article here: https://citynews.com.au/2026/69-misconduct-probes-halted-as-staff-quit-emerson/