In response to the Operation Kingscliff report, and as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) marks its second anniversary, Transparency International (TI) Australia welcomes the progress in combating corruption while emphasising the ongoing need for reforms to enhance integrity and public trust.
In 2023, the NACC’s establishment contributed to Australia’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) score rising by two points on the scale to 75/100 —an early sign that institutional reform can deliver real improvements in transparency and accountability.
Over the past two years, the NACC has made important progress in fulfilling its mandate. This includes over 40 corruption investigations and the reversal of its decision to not investigate corruption issues from the Robodebt Royal Commission referral.
Clancy Moore, CEO of Transparency International Australia, said:
“The establishment of the NACC with extensive powers, resourcing and independence was a landmark achievement in Australia’s fight against corruption.”
“Operation Kingscliff’s clear finding of corrupt conduct by a senior official at Home Affairs shows the importance of the NACC and the value of public reporting and transparency for the NACC.”
“The fact that 13 of the NACC’s current 31 investigations relate to former or current federal MPs or staffers is also reassuring. For far too long, politicians and their staff have mostly been immune from integrity oversight.”
Professor A J Brown, Chair of TI Australia, said the NACC should deliver on public’s expectation that to promote a culture of integrity:
“Australians have high expectations that the NACC should deliver on its mandate and not be another faceless government agency, accountable to no one. The Commission has great potential to act holistically as a positive public integrity agency, focusing not only on detection and punishment but on prevention and education.”
Under section 161 of the NACC legislation, the NACC has significant powers to conduct public inquiries into systemic corruption risks and vulnerabilities in Commonwealth agencies and on corruption prevention in the Commonwealth. The holding of public hearings into corruption issues when in the public interest and more civil society involvement and independent oversight are also needed.
Brown also warned of gaps in the Commonwealth integrity system:
“While the Commission’s mandate is clear, it must be supported by a broader framework of Commonwealth Integrity Reforms, such as comprehensive whistleblower protections and reforms to lobbying laws.
