National Anti-Corruption Commission Deputy Commissioner
Information about the National Anti-Corruption Commission
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (the NACC) is 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.
The NACC works closely with other integrity agencies across the Commonwealth, and is overseen by a Parliamentary Joint Committee and an Inspector.
The Commission can commence investigations on its own initiative or in response to referrals from anyone. This includes the power to investigate Ministers, Parliamentarians and their staff, statutory office holders and employees and contractors of government agencies. It can investigate both criminal and non-criminal corrupt conduct, and conduct occurring before or after its establishment. The Commission also has an education and prevention function and provides advice on corruption risks, vulnerability and strategies to address them, strengthening corruption prevention across Government.
The Commission has offices in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Further information about the Commission can be found on the National Anti-Corruption Commission website.
Role of the 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 a National Anti-Corruption Deputy Commissioner. It is envisaged that this appointment will commence in 2026.
Reporting directly to the Commissioner, and working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Commissioners play an integral part in the Commission’s role to detect and investigate serious or systemic corruption across the Commonwealth public sector, working collectively to assist the Commissioner in the performance of the Commissioner’s functions. Deputy Commissioners lead investigations and operational activities into allegations of corruption, under delegation by the Commissioner. Deputy Commissioners 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 senior leaders of the Commission, Deputy Commissioners support the strategic direction and anti-corruption agenda of the agency. Deputy Commissioners will be strong organisational leaders, and will work directly with staff on the Commission’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. You will have 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 corruption or integrity-related education and prevention initiatives would be highly advantageous. Experience working in or dealing with the public sector would also be advantageous.
Information for applicants
The Deputy Commissioner will be appointed by the Governor-General for a term of up to 5 years, with the possibility of reappointment for a further 5 year term. The Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Anti-Corruption Commission will consider the proposed appointment before it is recommended to the Governor-General.
During their term, a Deputy Commissioner will be restricted from undertaking outside paid employment without the Minister’s approval.
The position will be based in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth. Travel between these locations and elsewhere will be required. It is anticipated that this will be a full-time appointment.
Total annual remuneration for the position has been set by the Remuneration Tribunal at $627,700 as at June 2026.
Eligibility
Under the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022, to be eligible for appointment the Attorney‑General must be satisfied that the appointee has appropriate qualifications, knowledge or experience.
Strong legal qualifications are highly desirable. This can be evidenced through being currently enrolled as a legal practitioner, and having been so enrolled for at least 5 years, or having retired as a judge of a federal court or a court of State or Territory.
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. More information on security clearance processes is available from 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:
Integrity, Independence, and Ethical Leadership
The successful candidate will exemplify the highest standards of integrity and impartiality, and a demonstrated ability to embed and promote these standards in an organisation.
Analysis and decision-making
The successful candidate will have an outstanding ability to analyse complex information and apply relevant legal and policy frameworks to make fair, lawful and well-reasoned decisions.
Senior leadership and governance experience
The successful candidate will have significant senior leadership experience, a strong understanding of effective organisational governance and the ability to assist the Commissioner of the NACC to perform their functions under section 17 of the NACC Act.
Productivity, diligence and resilience
The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to manage and prioritise substantial and complex workloads. They will deliver outcomes in a timely manner without compromising quality, including when facing significant obstacles.
Building and sustaining strong working relationships
The successful candidate will display highly developed stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working within or closely with the public sector. They will demonstrate a commitment to safe and respectful workplaces, and the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships while maintaining independence and impartiality.
Verbal and written communication skills
The successful candidate will have outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly, concisely and persuasively to a range of audiences.
Legal expertise, investigation experience, or experience with delivering capability improvement programs
The successful candidate will have extensive experience relevant to the Commission’s role in deterring, detecting, and preventing corrupt conduct involving Commonwealth public officials. This experience may include leading investigations, designing and delivering outreach and capability improvement programs, and expertise in administrative and/or criminal law. The successful candidate will have extensive experience relevant to the Commission’s role in deterring, detecting, and preventing corrupt conduct involving Commonwealth public officials. This experience may include leading investigations, designing and delivering outreach and capability improvement programs, and expertise in administrative and/or criminal law.
Inclusion
The Australian Public Service 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
Apply using the online application form. Applications must include:
- an expression of interest, of no more than 4 pages, outlining your claims against the eligibility and selection criteria as outlined.
- a resume detailing the full particulars of your 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 two referees who have recent, direct and relevant experience of your work. Applicants will be notified prior to referees being contacted.
Assessment process
Written applications will be assessed by a panel, with shortlisted applicants further assessed at interview. Recommended candidates from this process will be considered for appointment by the Cabinet, as well as the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Anti-Corruption Commission as required under section 178 of the NACC Act, prior to recommendation to the Governor-General.
Communication
All advice and communication will be sent to applicants via email. Please ensure the email address you provide is correct.
Contact for applications and inquiries
Enquiries about the position or the application process can be email to agd@beaumontandbeaumont.com.au or call 02 6126 4500.