Northern Territory Treaty Commissioner Mick Dodson has dodged the expected resignation from his position, instead taking two weeks personal leave in the midst of multiple complaints of verbal abuse.
It was widely understood that Mr Dodson, a Yawuru man, would resign from his position after losing the backing of the Territory's Chief Minister Michael Gunner last week.
The Northern Territory Government has issued a statement saying it had been advised of Mr Dodson's intention to step down, however his resignation remains pending due to the temporary absence.
It is alleged Mr Dodson threatened and verbally abused an Aboriginal woman at a football game in Darwin in January, amongst other similar complaints.
After the allegations surfaced, Chief Minister Gunner sent Mr Dodson a letter saying his position was untenable, and that he could not continue in the role while the investigations were active.
Speaking to NITV's The Point, the NT Minister for Treaty, Selena Uibo confirmed the expectation Mr Dodson would go.
NT minister for treaty Selena Uibo. Her office has investigated the allegations against Treaty Commissioner Mick Dodson. Source: NITV
"The understanding was, when the letter was sent on the Friday, that the Treaty Commissioner had indicated he would resign.
"We're waiting for that formal process to occur."
Ms Uibo said the allegations are being taken "very seriously".
"I'm the Minister for Treaty, so it's an area that was acted upon immediately once allegations and a complaint (were) made through my office. (The allegations) are very serious and of course we don't condone any form of violence or intimidation, threats or aggression or abuse towards women..."
Asked whether she believed the Commissioner should resign, she said her focus was on preserving the work of the Treaty Commission.
"My job as Minister for Treaty is to protect the integral work of the Treaty Commission... The work of Treaty Commission is critical, and it's my job to make sure that remains protected."
Professor Mick Dodson was appointed as the NT Treaty Commissioner in 2019.
He declined to comment.
