The Darwin Waterfront Corporation (DWC) is now under fire over very serious allegations that it has misallocated public funds. As a result, there have been calls for an independent public inquiry. The DWC has adamantly denied any wrongdoing, calling the charges “categorically refuted.” The Northern Territory government has announced that it will not pursue further testing. This decision has subsequently been roundly criticized by opposition leaders and independent state lawmakers.
Besides these DWC-owned assets, the DWC also manages the Darwin Waterfront, a tourist hotspot with an artificial lagoon and numerous swimming and other recreational facilities. Over the past few months, questions have been raised about its financial management, prompting calls for transparency and accountability. With the exception of opposition members and independent MLA Justine Davis, the creation of an inquiry is staunchly opposed. They cite the importance of an independent and complete investigation to rebuild public confidence.
Government Response to Allegations
To date, the Northern Territory government has ruled out strongly ever calling for an independent inquiry into the DWC. After a closed-door examination, Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby determined that there was “no wrongdoing.” According to her own internal investigations, she said there was no case to warrant an “expensive and years-long” investigation.
Minister Boothby defended the DWC’s operations, claiming that every single board appointment and remuneration process was done properly. Continuing to defend the corporation, she pointed out that the Auditor-General conducts regular, yearly audits of the corporation. Yet these audits have never produced anything but unqualified reports.
“The allegations that have been made against the Darwin Waterfront are historical,” – Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby
Justine Davis is not giving up until she sees transparency and accountability. She condemned the federal government for failing to investigate misconduct and corruption at the DWC.
“I acknowledge much of this occurred under a former Labor government but that does not change my position — I am calling for an inquiry regardless,” – Independent MLA Justine Davis
DWC’s Defense Against Allegations
To counter these allegations, the DWC has claimed that it is in compliance with every legal framework directed upon it. A spokesperson for the corporation stated that all board decisions are well-documented and follow proper procedures approved by the board. They emphasized that all pay and allowances are set by an independent statutory tribunal approved by ministers.
The corporation’s defense played up its commitment to transparency. Since its creation, it has been audited annually with glowing recommendations on their fiscal responsibility. The spokesperson reinforced their position by stating, “Since creation, the corporation has been annually audited by the Auditor-General in accordance with both Northern Territory and relevant Commonwealth corporations law.”
“So there is nothing untoward there. I will not be calling for an inquiry; that matter is now done,” – Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby
Political Reactions and Future Implications
All of this, of course, comes on top of the government’s controversial decision to refuse an independent inquiry. Opposition Leader Selena Uibo expressed her disappointment over the government’s lack of action, stating that there are “far too many serious questions surrounding the Darwin Waterfront — and far too few answers from a government that claims to stand for transparency.”
Local activist, Justine Davis, voiced her grievances over the federal decision. She insisted that without a full-blown public inquiry, questions would forever remain about the financial probity and governance of the DWC.
“It is disappointing that the minister has ruled out a public inquiry into potential misconduct at the [DWC],” – Independent MLA Justine Davis
Given all this, the future of the DWC and how it does business will likely be under a microscope more than ever before. Stakeholders are concerned about maintaining public trust in a corporation responsible for managing significant tourism assets in the Northern Territory.
