Paul Brereton, Australia's first national anti-corruption commissioner, has announced his resignation, effective July 6, 2025. In a statement on Monday, Brereton said the "ongoing focus on matters relating to me personally" was "drawing attention away from the commission's core purpose of strengthening integrity."
Resignation Amid Controversy
Brereton, who has held the role since July 2023, faced criticism for consulting work with his former employer, the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF), while serving as commissioner. The work related to his prior inquiry into alleged war crimes involving Australian troops in Afghanistan.
"I believe that the commission's success is paramount, and not due to any single person," Brereton said. "While I will continue to resist any suggestion of impropriety, I have decided that it is time, now that the commission is established and functioning with quality staff and good processes, to step aside."
NACC Under Scrutiny
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) faced heavy criticism in 2024 after initially deciding not to investigate six individuals referred by the robodebt royal commission. It reversed that decision the following year. An investigation by the NACC inspector, which received over 1,000 complaints, found the initial decision was "affected by apprehended bias" after Brereton failed to recuse himself despite a perceived conflict of interest. However, the report noted "no finding of intentional wrongdoing or other impropriety."
A subsequent report earlier this year found two public servants had engaged in serious corrupt conduct.
Reactions and Next Steps
Anthony Whealy, chair of the Centre for Public Integrity, said public confidence in the NACC "has been tested by ongoing concerns about conflicts of interest, transparency and governance." He called for independent, transparent appointments to fill vacancies, stressing that "parliament's oversight role needs to be properly respected."
The NACC is expected to appear before a Senate estimates hearing on Tuesday evening. Brereton's departure leaves two vacancies in the commission, sparking calls for legislated reforms to ensure robust appointment processes.
