Federal anti-corruption boss resigns two years early
The head of Australia’s anti-corruption body has resigned two years before the end of his term due to long-standing questions about potential conflicts of interest.
National Anti-Corruption Commissioner Paul Brereton said the focus on personal matters distracted from the work of the agency.
The former war crimes investigator has repeatedly faced questions about potential conflicts of interest due to his ties to the military and service in the reserves.
“I believe the success of the commission is crucial and does not depend on one person,” Mr Brereton said.
“While I will continue to resist any suggestion of impropriety, I have decided that now that the commission is established and operates with quality staff and good processes, it is time to step aside and allow a new commissioner to lead the commission into the next phase of establishing it as an important and respected component of the Commonwealth’s integrity architecture.”
In October 2025, he stepped away from all defense-related corruption referrals to avoid any perceived conflict of interest.
He was also criticized for his decision not to investigate referrals related to the robodebt scandal, which was later overturned.
Mr Brereton’s resignation will take effect on July 6, just three years after he was appointed to a five-year term.
He is scheduled to face questions at a parliamentary hearing on Tuesday.
Mr Brereton said in his statement that the very existence of the National Anti-Corruption Commission had changed behavior in the civil service.
He said this was strengthened by educational programs and research.
More than 92 percent of the 7,264 referrals received in the last three years have been finalized and 34 investigations are ongoing.
Mr Brereton said some of these investigations involved current or former politicians and their staff, senior public servants, contractors, consultants and a grant scheme.
Attorney General Michelle Rowland said the government would select a new commissioner through a merit-based process.
“I thank Commissioner Brereton for his service as Commissioner of the National Anti-Corruption Commission following his appointment in 2023,” he said.
“Commissioner Brereton made an invaluable contribution to the establishment of the NACC as its first commissioner.”
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