NACC Chief Paul Brereton Continued Defence Consulting After Claiming Resignation

In a revelation that has raised questions about transparency in public office, Paul Brereton, the chief commissioner of Australia's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), continued to offer consulting services to the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF) even after assuring a Senate inquiry that he had fully resigned from that role.

During the inquiry, Brereton stated he had stepped down from his position at the defence force's investigative arm to focus on leading the federal anti-corruption watchdog. However, investigations by ABC News have uncovered that he remained involved, providing what he described as "critical" capabilities to the IGADF. This dual role persisted while he helmed the NACC, potentially blurring lines between his oversight responsibilities and ongoing defence ties.

Efforts to locate formal documentation verifying Brereton's resignation have so far been fruitless. Defence officials could not produce records confirming his departure, adding to concerns over accountability in high-level appointments. Brereton's background includes a long tenure as IGADF, where he spearheaded major inquiries into defence misconduct, making his continued involvement a point of particular scrutiny.

The NACC, established to root out corruption across federal entities, now faces questions about whether its leadership is maintaining the impartiality expected of such an institution. Critics argue that these consulting arrangements could undermine public trust in the body's independence, especially given the defence sector's history of ethical challenges.

As the Senate inquiry continues, calls are growing for clearer guidelines on post-resignation engagements for public officials. Brereton has defended his actions, emphasizing the value of his expertise to national security efforts. For now, the full extent of his ongoing contributions remains under review, highlighting the delicate balance between experience and independence in Australia's fight against corruption.

This article is based on reporting from ABC News. For the full original story, visit ABC News.