Michael Riches

Michael Riches has spent much of his career at the forefront of public integrity, accountability and governance in Australia. A lawyer and former police officer, he has helped establish key integrity institutions, shape legislation and lead and oversee hundreds of complex investigations and governance reviews.

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Michael was a senior member of the team that established South Australia’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the Office for Public Integrity. He went on to hold several executive leadership positions at the ICAC, including Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Commissioner. In these roles, he oversaw complex investigations and major governance reviews into misconduct, systemic weaknesses and failures in public administration. He also contributed to the development of South Australia’s whistleblower legislation and later led the establishment of the Judicial Conduct Commissioner.

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Michael began his career in the South Australian Attorney-General’s Department before spending nearly a decade in frontline policing and subsequently practising as a lawyer. This combination of operational, legal and institutional experience gives him a distinctive understanding of how misconduct occurs, how governance failures develop and what organisations need to do to address them.

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He was later appointed Independent Commissioner Against Corruption in the Northern Territory, bringing his experience to another jurisdiction’s integrity and accountability framework.

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As co-founder of Lift Strategic, Michael draws on this experience to help public and private sector organisations address complex problems, strengthen governance and manage risk. His work includes independent investigations, governance reviews, policy and legislative advice, and practical recommendations to improve organisational accountability and performance.

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Michael holds an Honours degree in Law and Legal Practice, a Bachelor of Arts, a Diploma in Public Safety, and certificates in Justice Studies and Investigation Services. He is a licensed investigator and based in Adelaide.