The Northern Territory's chief minister has apologised to police for publicly alleging senior officers helped try to bring down his leadership, along with that of the former police commissioner.
However, Adam Giles maintained on Monday he would launch a judicial inquiry into the conduct of police and politicians during the investigation of alleged rorting of a travel concession scheme.
He said he "probably overstepped the mark a bit" by telling reporters an MP and senior police had spread rumours about his involvement with travel agent and former NT Crime Stoppers chairwoman Alexandra "Xana" Kamitsis, who has been charged with fraud over the Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme.
Police commissioner John McRoberts stood down three weeks ago over allegations he had interfered in the investigation into Ms Kamitsis, with whom he had a relationship.
Mr Giles said it was wrong to publicly allude to the rumours, and he should have referred his concerns to a judicial inquiry being established, which is the fourth investigation or review announced in the past month to examine the matter.
"For airing them I do apologise, I particularly apologise to the police, but there have been some allegations made. Now, let's see what happens in the judicial inquiry and we'll take it from there," he said.
Mr Giles said he had full confidence in the police and his parliamentary colleagues, and admitted the recent instability had been "embarrassing and bad for Territorians".
He has not decided whether to reshuffle his cabinet before or after next week's parliamentary sittings.
Former deputy Peter Chandler was ready with a wish-list, telling ABC radio he hoped to remain a minister.
"I would dearly love to take education back. I'm hopeful for keeping police, fire and emergency services, (and) the new portfolio of defence is an incredible opportunity to start something we've never had before in the NT," Mr Chandler said.
He lost that role last week when Mr Giles installed as deputy his failed challenger last week, frontbencher Willem Westra van Holthe.
Labor opposition MLA Nicole Manison said the government was an "absolute train wreck".
"The behaviour of the chief minister and the government over the past week has been very questionable," she told reporters.
Ms Manison said the judicial inquiry had to be independent and thorough, but questioned Mr Giles's contribution to setting the terms of reference "when there are question marks hanging over his head about this whole situation".
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