With the NACC Bill being debated in the Senate this week, The National Anti-Corruption Commission must be independent, says the Centre for Public Integrity and Transparency International Australia.
“One way this independence can be guaranteed is by preventing the executive from controlling the appointment of the NACC Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners and Inspector.”
“While the optimal model would prevent executive dominance of the committee more broadly, in its absence, we support the Opposition amendment requiring that NACC Commissioners and Inspector appointments are supported by at least three-quarters of the parliamentary oversight committee.
“This super-majority will mean that proposed appointments receive at least bipartisan support, ensuring that these important statutory offices cannot be politicised. This will strengthen the Commission’s independence and people’s trust in its work.”
“We call on the Senate to support this amendment.”
Media contact:
Clancy Moore, clancy.moore@transparency.org.au / 0410 508 051
Dr Catherine Williams, catherine@publicintegrity.org.au / 0429 193 345
Professor A J Brown, ajbrown@transparency.org.au 0414 782 331 (Canberra)