The case for a federal corruption watchdog: ICAC needed to fill the gaps in our integrity system

No federal agency has the investigative powers or jurisdiction to expose corrupt conduct in the federal government and public sector.

A federal anti-corruption commission would fill the gaps in our integrity system and increase public trust in government. No federal agency has the investigative powers or jurisdiction to expose corrupt conduct in the federal government and public sector.

Every state in Australia has an anti-corruption commission that operates alongside its other integrity agencies. These anti-corruption commissions have extensive powers and jurisdiction to investigate and expose corruption and misconduct in government and the public sector. They have uncovered systemic corruption and misconduct that was not found by existing agencies, including the corruption of local government elections in Queensland and mining lease distribution and political fundraising in NSW.

When compared to the integrity systems scrutinising the conduct of state governments, our federal system falls short.