The Australian Government has made changes to functions overseen by the Attorney-General's Department and Department of Home Affairs. These changes involve the transfers of:

  • identity and biometrics functions into the Attorney-General's Department
  • protective security policy and government and major event security functions to the Department of Home Affairs.

Deputy Commissioner of the National Anti-Corruption Commission

Information about the National Anti-Corruption Commission

Find out more about the legislation to establish the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (the NACC) commenced on 1 July 2023 as a powerful, transparent and independent integrity agency. The NACC has a broad jurisdiction to investigate and report on serious or systemic corruption across the Commonwealth public sector and forms a central pillar in the government’s broader federal integrity framework. The NACC works closely with other integrity agencies across the Commonwealth to deliver integrity outcomes. It is overseen by a Parliamentary Joint Committee and the NACC Inspector.

The NACC has offices in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

Find out more about the NACC.

Role of Deputy Commissioner

The Australian Government is seeking expressions of interest from outstanding leaders with an impressive record of achievement and a demonstrated commitment to integrity and accountability for appointment as Deputy Commissioner of the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Two Deputy Commissioners have already been appointed to the NACC. It is envisaged that the third Deputy Commissioner appointment will commence in late 2023.

Reporting directly to the Commissioner, the Hon Paul Brereton AM RFD, and working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, the Deputy Commissioner will play an integral role in the NACC’s leadership team to detect and investigate serious or systemic corruption across the Commonwealth public sector. The Deputy Commissioner will lead investigations and operational activities into allegations of corruption, subject to delegation by the Commissioner. The Deputy Commissioner may also be involved in the triage and assessment of incoming referrals and allegations (including from members of the public), the management of intelligence functions and education and corruption prevention initiatives.

As one of the senior leaders of the NACC, the Deputy Commissioner supports the strategic direction and anti-corruption agenda of the agency. The Deputy Commissioner will be a strong organisational leader, and will work directly with staff on the NACC’s investigations and corruption prevention initiatives.

To be a strong contender for the role of Deputy Commissioner, you will have:

  • a proven track record of exercising discretion, careful judgement and personal resilience, particularly in the use of investigative powers and in the handling of confidential material and sensitive information.
  • the outstanding engagement skills necessary to facilitate cooperation and partnerships, negotiate persuasively and handle sensitive corruption-related issues with professionalism.

Experience in administrative and/or criminal law, investigations or integrity-related education and corruption prevention initiatives would be highly advantageous. Experience working in or dealing with the public sector would also be advantageous.

Information for applicants

The Governor-General will appoint the Deputy Commissioner for a term of up to 5 years, with the possibility of reappointment for a further 5-year term. In addition, proposed appointments will be subject to consideration by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

During their term, a Deputy Commissioner will be restricted from undertaking outside employment.

The appointment will be based in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth. Travel between these locations and elsewhere will be required. Full-time or part-time appointments may be considered.

The full-time annual remuneration for this position has been set by the Remuneration Tribunal at $569,470.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this appointment you must be a retired judge of a federal court or a court of state or territory, or be enrolled as a legal practitioner and have been enrolled as a legal practitioner for at least 5 years.

Applicants must have, or be able to obtain, a high-level security clearance. To be eligible for an Australian Government security clearance, you must be an Australian citizen and have a checkable background. To obtain a high-level security clearance, applicants must be prepared for a detailed and intrusive review of their past and present movements and to maintain standards of integrity that are beyond reproach. Find out more about security clearance processes on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website.

Selection criteria

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria set out above, applicants will be assessed against the following core criteria:

  • shapes strategic thinking
  • achieves results
  • exemplifies personal drive and integrity
  • cultivates productive working relationships
  • communicates with influence.

Details  about these criteria, and the capabilities relevant to each, is available at the Australian Public Service Commission website.

The successful applicant will also have:

  • experience in one or more of the following areas:
    • administrative and/or criminal law
    • leading complex investigations involving the use of significant powers
    • designing and delivering outreach and capability improvement programs
  • experience working in or dealing closely with the public sector
  • sophisticated engagement skills
  • the highest standards of professional and personal integrity and accountability and the capacity to promote these in an organisation.

The APS welcomes and encourages applications from people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and mature age people.

How to apply

Applications must include:

  • an expression of interest, of no more than four pages, outlining your claims against the eligibility and selection criteria above.
  • a resume detailing the full particulars of qualifications, experience and expertise (including details of enrolment as a legal practitioner or other eligibility as appropriate).
  • the names and contact details of at least 2 referees who have recent, direct and relevant experience of your work. Applicants will be notified before referees are contacted.

To apply, please review and complete the requirements outlined above. Email your application materials to pat.hart@hudson.com, citing NACC Deputy Commissioner. Please include any reasonable adjustments you may require for this process.

Applications close Midnight, Sunday 30 July 2023.

Contact

If further information is required after reviewing the role description and information please contact Pat Hart on 0439 074 391.

Assessment process

Written applications will be assessed by a panel, with shortlisted applicants further assessed at interview. The recommended candidate from this process will be considered for appointment by Cabinet, as well as a Parliamentary Joint Committee as required under the NACC legislation, prior to recommendation to the Governor-General.

Communication

All advice and communication will be sent to applicants via email. Please ensure the email address provided is correct.