A significant inquiry has been initiated concerning the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) chief's management of defense connections, which has raised eyebrows and sparked discussion.
Just recently, inspector Gail Furness communicated with the parliamentary group that oversees the federal integrity body, indicating her intent to conduct a formal investigation. This inquiry aims to ascertain whether there have been any violations of the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act by either the NACC itself or its chief commissioner, Paul Brereton, regarding his affiliations with defense matters.
In her letter, Furness stated that the information she has gathered thus far justifies an investigation into potential maladministration by the agency or misconduct by an officer. This revelation is pivotal as it hints at underlying issues within the commission's operations.
So, what’s on the horizon? Both Furness and the NACC will present themselves before Senate estimates this afternoon, where they will be scrutinized about these developments.
Furness’s communication to the relevant parliamentary group was made on a Friday, wherein she expressed her decision to probe into allegations concerning the NACC Commissioner's involvement in defense-related referrals and his ongoing association with the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF). She emphasized that there were complaints of agency maladministration or officer misconduct under section 184(1)(e) of the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022.
To date, Furness has been investigating these two critical issues, and after obtaining further information from the NACC, she concluded that the situation warranted an inquiry into possible misconduct or maladministration.
Last year, it came to light that Mr. Brereton was granted an extension to continue consulting for the body that conducted the Afghanistan War Crimes Inquiry. Notably, he undertook this role during official NACC hours without informing the corruption watchdog or the government at large. The extent of this arrangement was only formally revealed to Attorney-General Michelle Rowland on October 22, following media reports that prompted her to issue a rare "please explain" letter to Brereton, questioning why he had not sufficiently disclosed his continued advisory role with the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Upon reviewing his declarations from September 16, 2025, as well as those from the subsequent years of 2023 and 2024, it was clear that there was no mention of his ongoing advisory activities. In response to growing concerns, Mr. Brereton later declared in October that he would step back from all defense-related issues — a decision that his deputy commissioners felt was imperative.
The controversy surrounding these events has prompted reactions from various corners, including from Greens senator David Shoebridge, who urged the Albanese government to collaborate with parliament to remove Mr. Brereton from his position. He emphasized the necessity of restoring faith in the NACC, highlighting that this marks the second occasion where the conduct of the NACC commissioner has incited a formal investigation by the inspector. The prior instance was linked to the Robodebt scandal, which also raised serious questions about integrity within the commission.
Shoebridge remarked, "The inspector has accessed crucial evidence from within the NACC and has deemed it significant enough to warrant a comprehensive investigation. Just last week, the government expressed their unwavering support for Commissioner Brereton, stating they had full confidence in him. Today, that decision appears utterly reckless. The NACC should focus on investigating integrity matters rather than being embroiled in continuous inquiries regarding its own integrity."
This marks the second time Gail Furness has instigated a formal investigation into Mr. Brereton's actions. Previously, she found him guilty of officer misconduct for inadequately managing a declared conflict of interest related to a professional association with an individual who had been referred to the NACC concerning the Robodebt scandal. Later today, NACC CEO Philip Reed along with Ms. Furness will attend Senate estimates hearings, while Mr. Brereton is not obligated to participate.
