Australia’s new anti-corruption watchdog has received more than 40 referrals after becoming operational two days ago.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission, which officially started on July 1, is headed by former New South Wales Court of Appeal judge Paul Brereton.
In his opening speech in Canberra on Monday, Brereton described the establishment of the commission as a “historic moment”.
“First and foremost, the people of the Commonwealth are no longer prepared to tolerate practices which might once have been the subject of, if not acceptance, at least acquiescence,” he said.
“You have clearly expressed the desire for a Commonwealth anti-corruption agency.”
Brereton said the commission had received 44 referrals online and five telephone requests for call-backs, which would be followed up immediately….