NACC to Reassess Robodebt Referrals Amid Criticism

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) will reconsider its decision not to investigate referrals from the Robodebt Royal Commission following findings of misconduct due to perceived conflict of interest by Commissioner Paul Brereton. Inspector Gail Furness concluded that Brereton did not fully withdraw from the decision-making process, despite declaring a conflict of interest due to his professional association with one of the referred individuals, resulting in 'apprehended bias' and over 1,200 complaints. The NACC has faced criticism for its lack of transparency and high secrecy levels, complicating public assessment of its performance. An independent eminent person will now decide whether the investigation into the Robodebt referrals should proceed. The NACC's initial decision, which affected six individuals, was based on separate public service investigations into five of them.