NT corruption watchdog faces investigation

The Northern Territory's new anti-corruption commissioner says he will cooperate with an investigation into his office.

Michael Riches has only been the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption for a month and already he's dealing with a conflict of interest allegation.

It's related to ICAC's Darwin Turf Club grandstand report, which was handed down by former commissioner Ken Fleming in June.

The investigation uncovered misconduct and mismanagement of public resources in relation to a $12 million taxpayer-funded grant.

NewsCorp has reported an allegation that an ICAC staff member who helped with research for the report was previously involved in a dispute with the turf club.

Commissioner Riches has since referred the matter to ICAC's independent inspector Bruce McClintock SC for investigation.

"I will cooperate fully with those investigations," Mr Riches said.

"As with any investigation, these processes must be allowed to run their course.

"I should not, and will not, speculate on the outcome of any investigation into allegations against staff within my office."

Mr Riches said he would work to improve integrity in the NT, including within the anti-corruption watchdog.

"Where allegations of impropriety are made about my staff or me, they will be taken seriously," he said.

"It matters not to me who made the allegation or the circumstances in which the allegation is made.

"What matters to me is the integrity of this office, which must be above reproach."