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Australia anti-corruption watchdog chief Paul Brereton resigns amid military ties controversy
Paul Brereton, head of Australia's National Anti-Corruption Commission, has resigned after months of pressure over his ongoing ties to the Australian Defence Force. A Major General in the Army Reserve, Brereton was found to have been consulted by the Inspector General of the ADF 11 times since his appointment. He faces Senate Estimates grilling today.
Paul Brereton, the commissioner of Australia's National Anti-Corruption Commission, has announced his shock resignation after months of mounting pressure over his ongoing ties to the Australian Defence Force. Brereton holds the rank of Major General in the Army Reserve, which has raised persistent questions about his independence.
Documents obtained through Freedom of Information Laws revealed that the Inspector General of the ADF consulted Brereton on 11 occasions since his appointment in 2023. He was also spotted attending several functions wearing full military regalia, further fuelling concerns about perceived conflicts of interest in investigations involving the defence force.
In announcing his resignation, Brereton said there had been too much attention on him personally and not enough on the actual work of the commission. He consistently denied any wrongdoing but said now was an appropriate time to step aside given that the commission was functioning effectively.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission was established in 2023 as an independent body to investigate serious corruption within Australia's Commonwealth public sector. Several parliamentarians had expressed discomfort about the questions swirling around the head of the nation's anti-corruption watchdog.
Brereton's resignation comes in the same week as Senate Estimates hearings, where he will face questioning from senators for the first time since the controversy escalated. The government will now need to find a replacement who can restore confidence in the independence and credibility of the anti-corruption body.