Australia's anti-corruption chief Paul Brereton resigns under pressure
Paul Brereton, head of Australia's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), has resigned amid pressure over alleged misconduct and defence ties, the ABC reports. The resignation has fuelled debate over the young watchdog's independence and credibility. Government and opposition are reacting to the process.
Paul Brereton, head of Australia's federal National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), has resigned amid pressure over allegations of misconduct and his ties to the defence sphere, according to reports. The ABC says the resignation marks one of the most serious controversies the body has faced since its creation.
The NACC is a relatively new institution set up to investigate corruption among public officials. Brereton's departure raises questions about the commission's independence and the credibility of its decisions. Statements from the various sides have produced differing assessments of the reasons for the resignation.
The government and opposition are setting out their views on how the process should be handled. Who will become the new head, and how the commission's ongoing investigations will be affected, should become clearer in the period ahead. Developments will be watched closely.
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