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headline

Inquest to restart for notorious NT missing person case

The disappearance of Paddy Moriarty from the outback town of Larrimah, 500 kilometres south of Darwin, is one of the Northern Territory's most puzzling mysteries.

The 70-year-old was last seen at dusk on December 16, 2017, after leaving the Pink Panther Hotel on a quad bike with his kelpie.

There has been no trace of Mr Moriarty or his dog Kellie since.

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Mr Moriarty's home was found with a chicken in the microwave and the table was set ready for his evening meal.

His hat, keys and vehicle were all at home. The fan was going. The lights were on.

A 2018 inquest into his suspected death was indefinitely adjourned after evidence was provided by nearly every resident of the tiny town – which boasted a population of around 11 people.

The court heard there were ongoing feuds among Mr Moriarty and the townsfolk, including arguments over homemade pies.

Mr Moriarty's disappearance has sparked countless theories, including whether he is still alive or fell into a sinkhole.

But NT Police believe the Larrimah resident was met with foul play and last year offered a $250,000 reward for information.

The coronial inquest will re-start at Katherine Local Court on April 6.

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Inquiry to investigate Queensland's Crime and Corruption Commission

The Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) will be investigated in a formal Commission of Inquiry for the first time in the body's 30-year history.

The CCC has recently been under increasing scrutiny, with chair Alan MacSporran resigning last week after fraud charges imposed by the corruption watchdog were dropped against several former Queensland councillors.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the inquiry came off the back of a tabled report by the Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee (PCCC) and would probe its "enormous" investigatory and charging functions.

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Ms Palaszczuk said the six-month inquiry would be led by Tony Fitzgerald QC who revealed systemic corruption in the state through the the Fitzgerald Inquiry in the 1980s.

This led to the creation of the CCC as it is now known.

"For the first time in it's 30 year history the CCC itself is in need of investigation," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"Who should carry out that investigation? Who better to oversee an inquiry of the CCC than the man who created it?

Mr Fitzgerald will be assisted by retired Supreme Court judge Alan Wilson QC.

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"I firmly believe the people of this state can have absolute confidence that Tony Fitzgerald and Alan Wilson will will carry out their duties as outline in terms of reference," Ms Palaszczuk said.

Several high profile ex-government staffers like former archivist Mike Summerell and Integrity commissioner Nikola Stepanov backed calls for an inquiry.

Ms Palaszczuk said a vital part of the review will focus on the CCC's independence from government.

"To do its job, the public must have absolute confidence in the CCC and this Commission of Inquiry," she said.

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Queensland Attorney General Shannon Fentiman said the inquiry would be crucial in restoring public faith in the CCC.

"Ensuring Queenslanders have confidence in the CCC is paramount," Ms Fentiman said.

"We want Queenslanders to know we are an effective independent and impartial integrity body that is responsible for investigating major crime and corruption in Queensland."