National Anti-Corruption Commission 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 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 the Commissioner of the National Anti-Corruption Commission. It is envisaged that this appointment will commence in 2026.
To be a strong contender, you will have high standing and a proven ability to coordinate and lead complex investigations, to engage persuasively, to facilitate cooperation and partnerships, and to communicate accessibly and persuasively with a range of audiences about the role of the Commission and the importance of integrity in the Commonwealth public sector. This will be complemented by an excellent understanding and practical experience in administrative and/or criminal law, sound judgment and personal resilience, demonstrated professionalism and a personal style that engenders trust and respect. You will have the ability to lead an organisation and build a positive culture, committed to delivery. You will have the highest standards of personal integrity and a demonstrated ability to promulgate those standards within an organisation and across the system.
The Commissioner will exercise a broad range of powers including significant coercive powers and the power to hold compulsory hearings, including in public. As Commissioner, you will refer evidence of criminal corrupt conduct for prosecution and undertake education and prevention activities regarding corruption, including through public inquiries into corruption risks, vulnerabilities and measures to prevent corruption in Commonwealth agencies.
As Commissioner, you will work closely with other Commonwealth integrity agency heads to strengthen integrity and prevent corruption across the Commonwealth. You will build strong and enduring relationships with key stakeholders in government and civil society, including with heads of government agencies, state and territory counterparts and integrity experts. You will engage constructively with Members of Parliament, including the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the Commission, and with the independent Inspector of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, with a view to continuous improvement.
The Commissioner is the head of the Commission and is supported by up to three Deputy Commissioners and the Chief Executive Officer.
Information for applicants
The Commissioner will be appointed by the Governor-General for a single term of up to 5 years. 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, the Commissioner will be restricted from undertaking outside paid employment without the Minister’s approval, and will be required to declare and manage any material personal interests in accordance with the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022 and the Public Governance Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
This full-time appointment will be based in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth. Travel between these locations and elsewhere will be required.
Total annual remuneration for the position has been set by the Remuneration Tribunal at $803,440 as at June 2026.
Eligibility
Under the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022, to be eligible for appointment as the Commissioner, you must be a retired Judge of a federal court or a state or territory court, or a legal practitioner enrolled for at least five 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. 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 personal integrity and impartiality, with extensive experience embedding and promoting these standards in an organisation. They will demonstrate the leadership required to promote high standards of integrity across, and public trust in, the public sector.
Analysis and decision-making
The successful candidate will have an exceptional ability to analyse highly complex information and apply relevant legal and policy frameworks to make fair, lawful and well-reasoned decisions. The successful candidate will also need to demonstrate outstanding levels of judgement.
Senior leadership and governance experience
The successful candidate will have extensive senior leadership experience. They will have a strong understanding of, and commitment to, effective organisational governance in order to perform the Commissioner of the NACC’s functions under section 17 of the NACC Act. They will articulate a clear direction and set a strategic vision for the organisation and inspire and collaborate with others, including the Deputy Commissioners of the NACC, to achieve this. They will demonstrate the ability to build positive, high performing and ethical workplace cultures.
Productivity, diligence and resilience
The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to manage and prioritise substantial and complex workloads, including through working collaboratively with a senior leadership team. They will deliver outcomes in a timely manner without compromising quality, including when facing significant obstacles. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate an outstanding ability to innovate and deploy solutions to achieve the best outcome for an organisation.
Building and sustaining strong working relationships
The successful candidate will display a sophisticated capacity to foster relationships to meet objectives, including extensive experience working within or closely with the public sector. They will demonstrate a strong commitment to safe and respectful workplaces, and the highly developed 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. They will listen to people and value different perspectives. They will have extensive experience in public-facing roles, with the ability to engage with media, parliament and senior stakeholders in a manner which reflects positively on the organisation. The successful candidate will be able to communicate effectively to build public confidence in the Commission’s operations while balancing sensitivities arising from its operations such as the need to protect investigations and safeguard whistleblowers and other witnesses.
Resource management skills
The successful candidate will have strong financial management skills, working with the Chief Executive Officer to ensure the efficient, effective and ethical use of resources of the organisation.
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, including across multi-disciplinary teams, and extensive expertise in administrative and/or criminal law. The candidate will demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the obligations associated with the use of significant powers and access to extremely sensitive information, including engaging with relevant oversight mechanisms. The candidate will also need to demonstrate experience in being able to build this capability in others.
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 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.