Teals call for anti-corruption watchdog reform after robodebt review

The teal independents are calling for reforms to the national anti-corruption watchdog after it admitted a major error.

Teal independents are calling for reforms to the National Anti-Corruption Commission after a probe brought into question the conduct of the watchdog’s chief, Paul Brereton.

Mr Brereton delegated the decision on whether to investigate robodebt referrals to a deputy commissioner after declaring he knew one of the referred officials.

But a review of the NACC’s decision not to investigate the referrals found Mr Brereton was heavily involved in the decision-making process and should have removed himself altogether.

Independent MP Kate Chaney said on Thursday the NACC, which is little more than a year old, was off to a “disappointing” start.

Independent MP Kate Chaney said the NACC was off to a disappointing start . Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

National Anti-Corruption Commissioner Paul Brereton was found to have made an error during consideration of a robodebt referral. Picture: Supplied

“A proper functioning NACC is essential to rebuilding trust and this is not a great start,” she posted on X.

“Robodebt seems worthy of investigation so of course there is strong scrutiny about perceived conflicts. This should not be a surprise to the commissioner.

“Rebuilding trust from here will be challenging.”

A proper functioning NACC is essential to rebuilding trust and this is not a great start! It is disappointing to say the least. Robodebt seems worthy of investigation so of course there is strong scrutiny about perceived conflicts. This should not be a surprise to the…

— Kate Chaney (@ChaneyforCurtin) October 30, 2024

Meanwhile, fellow independent Kylea Tink said Mr Brereton’s position was “untenable”.

“16 months after the NACC started its work, the first public figure found to have engaged in misconduct under the (NACC) legislation is the commissioner of the NACC,” Ms Tink posted on X.

“In light of this I think the current commissioner’s position is untenable & I expect both he (and) the government to take appropriate action.”

In light of this I think the current Commissioner’s position is untenable & I expect both he & the Government to take appropriate action.#auspol#robodebt#BreakingNews‌

— Kylea Tink MP (@KyleaTink) October 30, 2024

In a statement on Wednesday, the NACC said Mr Brereton misjudged the “extent to which a perceived conflict of interest required him to be isolated”.

Mr Brereton, who’s distinguished career has spaned decades, admitted he made an error.

“Mistakes are always regrettable, but the most important thing is that they be put right,” he said.

“This mistake will be rectified by having the decision reconsidered by an independent eminent person.”

The NACC said it would appoint an independent person to review whether to investigate the investigate the six officials referred to it by the Robodebt royal commission.

Commissioner Brereton led the probe into allegations Australian troops committed war crimes in Afghanistan.