The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has announced it will revisit its earlier decision not to investigate referrals arising from the Robodebt Royal Commission. This reconsideration comes after an investigation by the NACC’s inspector found that Commissioner Paul Brereton had a conflict of interest requiring his full recusal from the decision-making process.
Commissioner Brereton had acknowledged a “close association” with one of the individuals referred to the NACC and had delegated the decision to a deputy. However, the inspector determined that he should have been entirely removed from the process. The commissioner’s significant involvement in discussions before and after the decision to cancel the investigation was deemed inappropriate.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers stated that the inspector’s findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the NACC’s oversight mechanisms. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton expressed continued confidence in both the NACC and Commissioner Brereton, suggesting that the issue may be a politically motivated distraction.