THE SQUIZ
New financial year, new watchdog on the beat to detect, investigate and report on corrupt conduct in the Australian Government public sector. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) – an independent agency that will investigate allegations, tell the public what it finds, and educate the public sector on how to prevent corruption – has come into being as July ticked over. And today – its first day of operation – is predicted to see every side of politics lining up to refer matters to the NACC for investigation.

BACK IT UP A BIT…
We have anti-corruption laws to ensure those in power do the right thing and weed out those who don’t. Every state and territory also has some sort of anti-corruption/integrity commission – and as of today, so does the Commonwealth. The NACC – led by Commissioner Paul Brereton – will investigate allegations of “serious and systemic” corruption relating to the public service, ministers/pollies and their staff, and those working with the Commonwealth. Critics say the NACC’s teeth aren’t sharp enough, but the Coalition is onboard, supporting its establishment after the Albanese Government’s election last year. Now up and running and wielding the powers of a royal commission, the NACC can compel witnesses and evidence. And it should have “the reputation of being fearless but fair”, Brereton has said.

SO WHO’S KNOCKING ON THE NACC’S DOOR TODAY?
The Greens have a list… Top of the list is former Morrison Government minister Stuart Robert over his dealings with consulting firm Synergy 360, which allegedly planned to secretly funnel funds to him in return for government contracts. That blew up last week. The PwC consulting scandal is another. And the Coalition reckons the NACC needs to look into former staffer Brittany Higgins’ compensation payout after leaked text messages showed senior Labor figures were briefed about her allegations before she went public. And there are many more… But it’s not just down to our pollies – anyone can make a referral, and the NACC can launch its own investigations if it thinks something’s off. Ultimately, Brereton and his anti-corruption crew will decide what they investigate – and Han Aulby, executive director of the Centre for Public Integrity, says “we need to respect its independence”. Whether our politicians get that, time will tell…