Watchdog Probes NACC Commissioner Over Defence Consulting Role
The inspector overseeing Australia's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has launched an investigation into Commissioner Paul Brereton, focusing on two matters related to his involvement with the Australian Defence Force. This move comes amid scrutiny over Brereton's continued consulting work for the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF) while serving as NACC commissioner.
Details of the Investigation
Gail Furness, the inspector of the NACC, confirmed the investigation into complaints of agency maladministration or officer misconduct. The first matter involves Brereton's role in referrals concerning the Department of Defence, the Australian Defence Force, and the IGADF, as well as ministers and other government departments where he had prior knowledge from his defence involvement. The second matter examines his ongoing engagement with the IGADF, including any disclosures made about that involvement.
Brereton, who previously led an inquiry into alleged war crimes by Australian troops in Afghanistan, had resigned as assistant inspector general of the IGADF before joining the NACC. However, the ABC reported that he has occasionally consulted for the IGADF since then. The NACC stated that any conflict of interest is managed appropriately and that Brereton does not participate in NACC matters involving the IGADF.
Political and Public Reactions
Greens senator David Shoebridge publicly criticised Brereton's conduct, calling for his removal from the NACC. In a social media post, Shoebridge shared a letter from Furness notifying the parliamentary joint committee of the investigation. He argued that the NACC should focus on investigating integrity issues rather than being investigated itself.
Attorney General Michelle Rowland had written to Brereton in October 2025 seeking more information about his ongoing work with the IGADF. A spokesperson for Rowland declined to comment on the investigation, emphasising that the government supports the NACC's work and its independent oversight.
Historical Context and Previous Scrutiny
This is the second time the inspector has publicly announced an investigation into the NACC. In 2024, Furness examined the commission's decision not to investigate six individuals referred by the robodebt royal commission, finding that Brereton should have removed himself from related decision-making processes.
During a Senate estimates hearing, officials from the attorney general's department revealed that Brereton had verbally resigned from his role as assistant inspector general of the IGADF in 2023. The NACC has voluntarily provided documentation to the inspector's preliminary inquiries and will respond within the investigation's framework.
The IGADF was contacted for comment but has not yet responded. The NACC spokesperson stated it is inappropriate to comment further on the ongoing investigation, highlighting the commission's commitment to transparency and accountability.
