The Coalition minister and the corruption watchdog
Nov 17, 2024
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Rick Morton, a senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, delves into the controversial decisions of the National Anti-Corruption Commission regarding the robodebt scheme. He discusses the backlash against the NACC for failing to investigate serious allegations and the complexities surrounding the withdrawal of an independent review by Justin Gleeson. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for public trust and transparency in anti-corruption efforts, alongside criticisms of leadership and internal processes within the commission.
The NACC's initial refusal to probe the robodebt scandal damaged its credibility, raising public trust issues and highlighting systemic flaws.
Concerns over conflicts of interest led to the withdrawal of Justin Gleeson's reassessment, exposing weaknesses in the NACC's decision-making processes.
Deep dives
NAC's Controversial Decision-Making
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NAC) initially declined to investigate referrals from the RoboDebt Royal Commission, which drew considerable criticism and raised concerns about its integrity. After 11 months of inactivity regarding these referrals, the NAC agreed to reassess its decision due to numerous complaints, prompting an investigation into the commissioner's conduct. The investigation revealed that Commissioner Paul Brereton had failed to fully recuse himself from decisions related to the referred individuals, suggesting misconduct under the NAC Act. As a result, the NAC decided to appoint an independent figure to evaluate whether to proceed with an investigation into the six individuals involved, allowing for a potential chance at accountability.
Withdrawal of the Proposed Investigator
Justin Gleeson, a former Solicitor General, was selected to reassess the investigation into the RoboDebt scandal but had his appointment rescinded suddenly. Concerns arose about possible conflicts of interest stemming from Gleeson's previous public comments about one of the referred individuals. Internal discussions within the NAC suggested that the apprehension of complaints from that individual influenced the decision to withdraw the offer, raising questions about the commission's integrity and decision-making processes. Many experts argue that concerns about complaints should not obstruct necessary appointments, underscoring the NAC's role as a corruption commission necessitating independence in decision-making.
Erosion of Public Trust and Future Considerations
The ongoing issues within the NAC have resulted in significant erosion of public trust in its capabilities to effectively address corruption. Critics suggest that there appears to be a lack of coherent processes and accountability within the commission, leading to decisions that do not seem to align with its intended purpose. Without substantial changes, including improved standards and oversight, the NAC risks failing in its foundational mission to combat public corruption. The appointment of an independent person to reassess the investigation's decision is critical but also highlights the NAC's ongoing struggles to maintain public confidence and credibility in its operations.
In deciding not to probe robodebt, the National Anti-Corruption Commission seemingly failed its first big test.
But the NACC has been given a second chance to reconsider an investigation into the unlawful scheme and six people referred for possible corruption by a royal commission.
Former solicitor-general Justin Gleeson was approached to review the decision, but the offer was withdrawn over concerns it might offend a former Coalition minister who is among the people referred.
Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on the dumping of the proposed robodebt investigation and what it means for the future of the NACC.
