National

Anti-corruption body branded too complex and opaque

Jun 26, 2026

Inspector of the National Anti-Corruption Commission Gail Furness — Submissions urged the National Anti-Corruption Commission to clarify why some tips are not probed. -AAP Image

The National Anti-Corruption Commission is shrouded in privacy and complexity which could mean important investigations are not occurring, politicians are expected to be told.

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A parliamentary committee launched an inquiry into the NACC's functions in March, following several conflict of interest accusations and scrutiny of its efficiency since it was established three years ago.

Many Australians referring potential corruption to the watchdog did not understand how to do so due to the privacy surrounding it, a submission to the committee from the Human Rights Law Centre said.

"(The) high threshold for investigations can be difficult for a referrer to understand.

"It can also be difficult for referrers to properly communicate the information in a way that makes it possible for the commission to understand if it meets the requisite threshold," it said.

More funding for referrers to help in investigations, or more staff at the NACC itself, would improve transparency and the ability to take on new cases, the centre suggested.

Better disclosure around why the watchdog chooses not to investigate some tips should also be attempted, representatives from the Centre For Public Integrity are expected to tell the committee on Friday.

"These recommendations do not require fundamental legislative reform," the centre said in its submission to the committee.

"Rather, they are directed to ensuring the NACC's existing ... powers are exercised in a manner that better supports transparency, accountability and public confidence."

The watchdog has been criticised in previous Senate hearings for being secretive, though its governing legislation means most investigations need to happen in private.

Former NACC commissioner Paul Brereton has faced scrutiny over advice he provided to the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force since starting the role in 2023.

Mr Brereton resigned in late May, just three years through his five-year term. He cited the ongoing scrutiny as detrimental to the watchdog's focus.

The commission's independent inspector, Gail Furness, is finalising a report into the matter.

Recruitment for a new commissioner began this week and the selected candidate will be referred to the committee for approval.