Australia to create an anti-corruption watchdog

Sep. 27 () –

The Australian government said on Tuesday it would create a National Anti-Corruption Commission, after years of debate over the need for a transparent and independent watchdog.

The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and the Attorney General, Mark Dreyfus, have affirmed that this measure – which will be presented this week – “demonstrates that the Government is fulfilling its promise to fight corruption”.

The objective of creating this body is to “restore trust and integrity in politics” in the country, reads the statement made public by the Australian Executive.

The Executive will provide funds worth 262 million Australian dollars (176.4 million euros) over four years for the establishment and operation of the Commission.

“This funding will ensure that the Commission has the staff, skills, and capacity to properly consider referrals and complaints, conduct timely investigations, and undertake corruption education and prevention activities,” the letter explains.

Albanese has summarized that the principles of this body will be its character of independence and fairness, in addition to being characterized by broad jurisdiction, supervision by a Parliamentary Committee, retrospective powers and public hearings.