Australia’s New National Anti-Corruption Commission: Background and Critique

Tim Prenzler; Janet Ransley

doi:10.1080/10999922.2023.2271684

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Journal article

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Australia’s New National Anti-Corruption Commission: Background and Critique

Tim Prenzler and Janet Ransley

Public Integrity, Vol.26(5), pp.507-516

2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10999922.2023.2271684

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Abstract

Corruption

anticorruption commissions

public sector integrity

Australia

federal government

Australia has been the site of major advances in the creation of public sector anticorruption commissions since 1989. However, commissions with broad jurisdiction have been limited to the six states until 2023. The federal jurisdiction lagged behind, with a series of scandals driving intensified debates from 2013. Performance issues associated with state agencies formed part of the debate. The present paper reviews this history, focusing on the intensification of research and lobbying efforts leading to the establishment of a National Anti-Corruption Commission in 2023. The paper also critiques the legislation behind the new agency, arguing it entails considerable limitations and that agency legitimacy and effectiveness will only be achieved through the inclusion of integrity issues of concern to citizens, a strong focus on prevention, and significant independence in investigations and adjudication. These lessons are of relevance to other jurisdictions facing the issue of effective institutional responses to public sector misconduct risks.

Details

Title: Australia’s New National Anti-Corruption Commission: Background and Critique
Authors: Tim Prenzler (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Janet Ransley (Author) - Griffith University
Publication details: Public Integrity, Vol.26(5), pp.507-516
Publisher: Routledge
Date published: 2024
DOI: 10.1080/10999922.2023.2271684
ISSN: 1558-0989
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99971186802621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Public Administration

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#16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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