Corruption watchdog launches first two investigations

NACC commissioner Paul Brereton has addressed the coalition party room in Parliament House. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

The new federal integrity watchdog has opened two investigations including a joint probe with a state agency.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission has received 908 referrals since it began on July 1.

The commission on Wednesday revealed two investigations had been opened, while five investigations were at a preliminary stage.

The NACC has not revealed the nature of the two investigations.

Preliminary investigations help the commission decide whether there is a corruption issue that should be further investigated.

The commission can use some of its investigatory powers in a preliminary investigation, such as compelling the provision of information or documents.

NACC officers are also working on six active investigations inherited from the former Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity.

Since July 1, 310 referrals have been excluded at the triage stage because they did not involve a commonwealth public official or raise a corruption issue.

Among the other referrals, 198 are pending triage, 150 are in active triage and 145 referrals are under the second stage of assessment.

Commissioner Paul Brereton on Tuesday addressed the coalition party room in Parliament House, having already spoken to the Labor caucus, Greens party room and the independents.

The presentations focused on MPs' rights and responsibilities in relation to the commission.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store