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The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is set to see a change in leadership as its current chief, Paul Brereton, has announced his resignation. This decision comes unexpectedly, as Brereton is departing two years ahead of the completion of his term.
Brereton took on the role as the inaugural commissioner of the NACC in July 2023, embarking on what was intended to be a five-year journey. However, his tenure faced challenges due to scrutiny regarding his external engagements with the defense sector.
The resignation is scheduled to be effective from July 6, marking an early conclusion to his service.
In a statement, Brereton addressed the situation, emphasizing that he strongly “resists any suggestion of impropriety.” Nevertheless, he acknowledged the need for his departure.
“The continuous focus on issues pertaining to me personally, rather than the essential work of the commission, is detracting from our primary mission,” Brereton stated. “Strengthening integrity within the Commonwealth public sector has always been my foremost priority as commissioner.”
“I believe that the commission’s success is paramount, and not due to any single person.
“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 and allow a new commissioner to lead it into the next phase of its development into a key and respected component of the integrity architecture of the Commonwealth.”
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland thanked Brereton for his service and said a new NACC commissioner would be appointed in due course.
“Commissioner Brereton has made an invaluable contribution to the establishment of the NACC as its inaugural commissioner,” Rowland said.
When he was appointed commissioner in 2023, Brereton said it was his ambition to have a commission that was “fearless but fair”.
Brereton faced months of scrutiny over alleged conflicts of interest related to his ongoing ties to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and had been investigated for officer misconduct.
He previously served as assistant inspector-general of the ADF, when he delivered the Afghanistan Inquiry Report.
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