The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has decided to discontinue two complaint investigations into former commissioner Paul Brereton, stating it cannot justify the cost of proceeding given he no longer holds the position.
Brereton resigned from his role as the inaugural NACC commissioner in May amid scrutiny over his defence links and handling of conflicts of interest. He acknowledged that the investigations had drawn "attention away" from the agency's work.
On July 8, NACC Inspector Gail Furness announced the discontinuation of the investigations, which had already incurred significant public expense. Furness noted that no NACC corruption issues were involved and that both cases pertained solely to Brereton's conduct. She stated, "In order for the draft reports, which are in part contested, to be completed, further considerable public funds would need to be spent."
Inspector Furness also remarked that ongoing scrutiny of Brereton's conduct detracted from the agency's focus. The investigations followed revelations that Brereton had continued advising the inspector-general of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF) on the Afghanistan war crimes inquiry during his tenure as NACC commissioner.
During Senate estimates in May, Brereton said he had disclosed his ongoing affiliations with the IGADF but did not see the need to disclose the "precise nature" of his activities. His final day as commissioner was July 6, two years before his term was set to end.
Brereton expressed commitment to maintaining an open and constructive relationship with the Inspector.
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