A key architect of the National Anti-Corruption Commission says parliament should consider new merit-based and independent selection processes for major appointments, urging the Albanese government to use an existing vacancy to restore public confidence in the watchdog. Independent MP Helen Haines, who helped craft legislation to establish the Nacc, sits on its parliamentary oversight committee.
She said “the clock is ticking” on replacing deputy commissioner Nicole Rose, who announced her resignation this month. Rose is relocating overseas and will finish in the job this month before taking a period of leave.
Haines said replacing Rose through a clear and transparent process would assist parliament’s joint committee on the Nacc to fulfil its role of reviewing and approving appointments. “Recruitment for a new deputy commissioner is a critical opportunity for the government to strengthen public confidence in the National Anti-Corruption Commission,” Haines told Guardian Australia.
Haines has made only rare comments on the Nacc’s operations, due to her responsibilities regarding its oversight. A statutory review of the Nacc’s early operation is expected in 2027.
It will follow a controversial first five years, including criticism about commissioner Paul Brereton’s external work for Defence and the Nacc’s handling of referrals related to the illegal robodebt scheme. The Nacc’s original decision not to investigate was heavily criticised, with the watchdog receiving more than 1,000 complaints.