National Anti-Corruption Commissioner Paul Brereton resigns after three years, citing leadership scrutiny as a distraction from anti-corruption work.
Australia’s first national anti-corruption commissioner has resigned after almost three years in the role.
During this time, Paul Brereton has overseen the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the management of almost 7,500 referrals, and the production of seven investigation reports.
In a statement today, Brereton said ongoing questions about his leadership have become a distraction for the commission.
He said the NACC will continue to ensure public sector corruption is “appropriately addressed” after his departure.s a week after deputy commissioner Nicole Rose finishes.
“The ongoing focus on matters relating to me personally rather than the commission’s work is drawing attention away from the commission’s core purpose of strengthening integrity in the Commonwealth public sector,” he said.
“I believe that the commission’s success is paramount, and not due to any single person.
“While I will continue to resist any suggestion of impropriety, I have decided that it is time … to step aside and allow a new commissioner to lead it into the next phase of its development into a key and respected component of the integrity architecture of the Commonwealth.”
Brereton is on the schedule for Senate estimates later today. He is not obliged to appear, and previously has not.
Paul Brereton
Brereton took office as the inaugural Commissioner on July 1, 2023 and will have served three years in the office when his resignation takes effect.
Prior to joining NACC, Brereton was a NSW Court of Appeal judge. He is best known for his work leading the inspector-general of the Australian Defence Force’s inquiry into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.
This, along with his long-time military service, has raised questions about his impartiality in matters relating to the ADF. Politicians and advocates are calling for his resignation over the handling of the ‘robodebt six’ investigation and allegations of misconduct associated with his consulting for the IGADF.
In his public resignation letter, Brereton defended his and the commission’s record.
“Fair and thorough investigations take time, and the outcomes of these and other investigations will emerge in due course,” he said.
“It is important to remember that many will not result in findings of corrupt conduct. From the outset, we have been committed to fairness, and that approach is well embedded in the commission’s operations.
“I would like to record my deep appreciation for the support and contributions of the deputy commissioners, the chief executive officer, and the committed and diligent staff of the commission, who work tirelessly in the interests of the Australian people.”
Republished from The Mandarin
