Former judge appointed head of Australia's corruption watchdog

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 05:31 · Archive

Robert McClelland, a former attorney-general and Family Court deputy chief justice, has been appointed National Anti-Corruption Commissioner.

Robert McClelland, a former attorney-general under prime ministers Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, has been appointed National Anti-Corruption Commissioner. He replaces Paul Brereton, who resigned in July after serving only two years of his term. Brereton stepped down after long-running allegations of conflict of interest, including that he had continued working as a consultant with the inspector-general of the Australian Defence Force whilst in post. He was also found to have been biased when the watchdog decided not to pursue referrals from the Robodebt scandal.

McClelland has been a Family Court judge since 2015 and rose to deputy chief justice three years later. He will be joined by Christopher Savundra, a former executive director of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, as deputy commissioner. Both will take office in January 2027.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said in a statement on Monday: 'I have confidence in their ability to contribute to its important work to enhance integrity across the Commonwealth public sector.' Brereton's resignation had triggered calls for greater transparency in the corruption commission's recruitment process, including holding public hearings.

How it is being reported

• Chief judge named top dog in bid to dig up corruptionA former chief Australian law officer has been made head of the national corruption watchdog months after the previous office-holder resigned amid controversy.Perth Now · 19 Oct, 04:59
• Chief judge named top dog in bid to dig up corruptionA former chief Australian law officer has been made head of the national corruption watchdog months after the previous office-holder resigned amid controversy.The West Australian · 19 Oct, 04:59

In this story: Robert McClelland · Paul Brereton · Christopher Savundra · Michelle Rowland · Australia · National Anti-Corruption Commission

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