The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has incurred costs exceeding $10 million in investigating complaints against its own Commissioner, Paul Brereton, newly released figures reveal.
Cost Breakdown and Scope
According to documents tabled in parliament, the NACC spent $10.3 million on inquiries into allegations of misconduct against Brereton, who oversaw the commission's establishment. The investigations, conducted by external legal firms and retired judges, have spanned over 18 months.
The complaints against Brereton include claims of conflicts of interest, misuse of office, and improper conduct during his tenure as Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force. The NACC has not disclosed the number of complaints but confirmed they are being handled independently.
Impact on Commission Operations
The high cost has raised concerns about the diversion of resources from the NACC's primary anti-corruption mandate. A spokesperson for the NACC stated, "The commission is committed to transparency and accountability, and these investigations are necessary to maintain public trust." However, critics argue the expenditure undermines the commission's effectiveness.
The NACC's annual budget is approximately $100 million, meaning the Brereton-related investigations account for over 10% of its funding. Opposition MPs have called for a parliamentary inquiry into the commission's operations and spending.
Brereton's Response
Paul Brereton has denied any wrongdoing and welcomed the investigations as a means to clear his name. In a statement, he said, "I have cooperated fully with all inquiries and am confident they will find no evidence of misconduct." The investigations are ongoing, with no timeline for completion.
