Australia’s inaugural national anti-corruption commissioner has pledged to run a “fearless but fair” operation that will not only expose corruption but clear the air of unfounded allegations, and educate federal bodies how to avoid bad behaviour in the first place.

In a statement released to coincide with the July 1 start date of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), Commissioner Paul Brereton said he was aware of the weight of public expectation on the new body, the establishment of which was a key election promise of the Albanese government.