‘Very strong provisions’ contained in NACC bill

The Australia Institute’s Deputy Director Ebony Bennett says “there’s no doubt” the proposed National Anti-Corruption Commission “fills a huge gap” in Australia’s federal integrity systems. “And it’s very welcome, and I think the Attorney-General is to be congratulated for bringing it to parliament within the first six months of this term of government,” Ms Bennett told Sky News Australia. “There’s a number of very strong provisions contained in the bill – it’s got a broad jurisdiction, the anti-corruption commission will have the ability to initiate its own investigations, it can accept complaints from whistle-blowers.” She said despite these provisions, an emerging area of contention is the idea public hearings will only be allowed in “exceptional circumstances” and when it's in the public interest. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au