Today marks an important milestone in enhancing integrity and accountability in the Commonwealth public sector with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) officially open for business. The Commission is the country’s first agency with broad jurisdiction to investigate serious or systemic corruption involving Commonwealth public officials.
This morning, in his first public address as inaugural Commissioner, the Hon Paul Brereton AM RFD SC, spoke to the significance of the moment.
‘The people of the Commonwealth are no longer prepared to tolerate practices which might once have been the subject of, if not acceptance, at least acquiescence. They have clearly expressed a desire for an anti-corruption agency.’
He acknowledged the anticipation accompanying the commencement of the new agency.
‘The Commission is obviously aware of a number of matters which have been mentioned in the media and elsewhere as potential subjects for investigation. We will assess all the matters of which we are aware, to decide whether they should be investigated.’
The Commissioner outlined his mission and mandate for the new agency and noted the important role of education in increasing awareness and prevention of corruption, as well as public reports and inquiries. ‘It is through detection, investigation and reporting that corrupt conduct is exposed, and through the risk of such exposure that more corrupt conduct is deterred.'
Commissioner Brereton also highlighted the role of senior leadership in modelling behaviour and promoting a safe environment for staff to speak up.
‘By enhancing a culture of transparency and integrity, we will harden the Commonwealth public sector against corruption and support the APS-wide integrity reform agenda.’
Stressing that the Commission is independent of government and impartial, Commissioner Brereton said:
‘My aspiration is that this Commission will be a respected part of the machinery of our democracy. I want the Commission to have the reputation of being fearless but fair, independent and impartial. While the legislation gives us great powers, with that comes great responsibility.’
The National Anti-Corruption Commission is now open and ready to accept corruption reports.
If you wish to make a report about a corruption issue in the Commonwealth public sector, visit nacc.gov.au or call 1300 489 844.
Who can make a report
Anyone can submit a corruption report to the NACC or provide other information about a corruption issue. Find out more at www.nacc.gov.au/reporting-and-investigating-corruption/how-to-make-report
About the National Anti-Corruption Commission
The National Anti-Corruption Commission enhances integrity in the Commonwealth public sector by deterring, detecting and preventing corrupt conduct involving Commonwealth public officials. It does this through education, monitoring, investigation, reporting and referral.