theguardian.com
NACC Chief Rejects Resignation Calls
The head of Australia's National Anti-Corruption Commission rejects calls to resign over conflict of interest concerns, arguing against a "blame culture" and defending the commission's independence.
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United Kingdom
PoliticsHuman Rights ViolationsUkCorruptionAccountabilityLeadershipPublic Service
National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nacc)OptusGovernance Institute Of Australia
Paul BreretonKelly Bayer Rosmarin
- How did Brereton respond to the calls for his resignation?
- Brereton compared his situation to that of Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin, who resigned after a major internet outage. He expressed concern about a "blame culture" that discourages people from taking responsibility for mistakes.
- What prompted the independent review of the NACC's decision?
- The NACC's decision not to further investigate the referred individuals led to complaints, and an independent review of that decision is now underway. Brereton emphasized that the NACC is not a complaints-handling agency and focuses on matters not investigated by other agencies.
- What cultural changes in the public sector did Brereton advocate for?
- Brereton called for a top-down culture change in the public sector, emphasizing honesty, impartiality, and acceptance of responsibility for mistakes. He believes that a focus on blame and public pressure undermines the independence of agencies like the NACC.
- What was the finding of the independent inspector regarding the NACC chief?
- An independent inspector found that Brereton had inadequately managed a conflict of interest related to a past professional association. Brereton accepted this as an "error of judgment" but maintained that it did not warrant his resignation.
- Why is the head of the National Anti-Corruption Commission facing calls to resign?
- Paul Brereton, head of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), refused calls to resign following criticism of his handling of robodebt referrals. He argued that he was being made a scapegoat and that resigning would undermine the commission's independence.