The Commonwealth Government has introduced draft legislation into parliament this week to establish the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).

The NACC will have broad jurisdiction to investigate serious or systemic corruption across the Commonwealth public sector. This includes the power to investigate ministers, parliamentarians and their staff, statutory office holders, and employees and contractors of government agencies. It will have discretion to commence inquiries on its own initiative or in response to referrals from anyone. The NACC will also be able to investigate both criminal and non-criminal corrupt conduct, and conduct hearings where it is in the public interest to do so.

The Commission’s work will complement the work of the Australian Federal Police in investigating and enforcing Australia’s anti-corruption laws and will operate alongside State-based anticorruption bodies, including ICAC and IBAC.

This significant reform is likely to bring increased scrutiny to engagement between private sector companies and the Commonwealth public sector.

Read more about how your company can address bribery and corruption by thoroughly investigating suspected corruption with our collection of investigation resources.