This bill became law on Dec 12th, 2022.
Law, justice & rights
Australia’s old federal law enforcement anti-corruption law is repealed, clearing the way for the National Anti-Corruption CommissionThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. to replace the former body.
Replacing the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement IntegrityThe old federal anti-corruption body for law enforcement that is being replaced and wound down under this transition bill. with the new National Anti-Corruption CommissionThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. created a handover problem, including old cases, powers and review arrangements that could not just stop or default to existing rules. This bill repeals the old framework and sets transition rules so investigations continue and the new commission can use tailored powers and oversight processes.
Australia already had the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement IntegrityThe old federal anti-corruption body for law enforcement that is being replaced and wound down under this transition bill., but creating a new National Anti-Corruption CommissionThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. for the wider Commonwealth public sector meant old investigations, powers and review pathways could not simply be left in the previous system. This bill was introduced alongside the main NACCThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. legislation to repeal the older federal law-enforcement integrity framework, transfer unfinished matters and align powers such as investigations, hearings and technical assistance, then became law in December 2022 so the new commission could start with working transition rules in place.
The main criticism was that the bill took some National Anti-Corruption CommissionThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. decisions out of the usual judicial reviewA court process for checking whether a government decision was made lawfully, which this bill narrows for some NACC decisions. system and, together with its coercive powers, could leave people exposed to unfair processes with too little external scrutiny. These concerns were raised mainly by Coalition speakers and some crossbenchers seeking stronger safeguards, even though no party represented in the debate opposed creating the commission itself.
Hon Mark Dreyfus KCA senior lawyer title used after a person's name in the explanatory material, indicating a barrister of senior standing., MPAn elected federal parliamentarian, who falls within the kinds of people the NACC can investigate. introduced this bill. It passed on the voices.
Did it become law?
Yes
Became law 12 Dec 2022
Final passage
Passed without a counted vote
7 recorded amendment or procedural votes were found, but no counted vote on the bill itself was recorded.
Passage speed
75 days
From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step
Meaning
Australia’s old federal law enforcement anti-corruption law is repealed, clearing the way for the National Anti-Corruption CommissionThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. to replace the former body.
People cannot use the usual Administrative Decisions (Judicial ReviewA court process for checking whether a government decision was made lawfully, which this bill narrows for some NACC decisions.) Act process for many National Anti-Corruption CommissionThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. decisions about referrals, investigations and hearings, so those decisions follow special review rules instead.
The National Anti-Corruption CommissionThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. can run integrity tests in corruption investigations, letting it set up controlled operations to check whether officials or agencies act honestly.
Current investigations and inquiries from the old Australian Commission for Law Enforcement IntegrityThe old federal anti-corruption body for law enforcement that is being replaced and wound down under this transition bill. can continue after the National Anti-Corruption CommissionThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. starts, rather than stopping and restarting.
The National Anti-Corruption CommissionThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. and some state anti-corruption bodies can require telecommunications companies to provide technical help for serious corruption investigations.
Repeal the Act.National Anti-Corruption Commission (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2022 final Act text
; (zi) decisions under the following provisions of the National Anti‑Corruption Commission Act 2022:National Anti-Corruption Commission (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2022 final Act text
Integrity testing operations may be authorised by the ACC, the Australian Federal Police and the Immigration and Border Protection Department in relation to their own agencies, or (if a corruption investigation is involved) the National Anti‑Corruption Commission.National Anti-Corruption Commission (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2022 final Act text
The bill also repeals the Law Enforcement Integrity Commissioner Act 2006 and provides transitional arrangements for the continuation of investigations and inquiries being conducted by the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity following the establishment of the commission.Minister's second reading speech
Finally, this bill gives the commission and certain state anticorruption and investigative commissions access to the industry assistance framework under part 15 of the Telecommunications Act 1997.Minister's second reading speech
Context
Australia already had the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement IntegrityThe old federal anti-corruption body for law enforcement that is being replaced and wound down under this transition bill., but creating a new National Anti-Corruption CommissionThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. for the wider Commonwealth public sector meant old investigations, powers and review pathways could not simply be left in the previous system. This bill was introduced alongside the main NACCThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. legislation to repeal the older federal law-enforcement integrity framework, transfer unfinished matters and align powers such as investigations, hearings and technical assistance, then became law in December 2022 so the new commission could start with working transition rules in place.
Government introduces the transition bill for the new anti-corruption commission
The Attorney-General introduced the bill as part of the package to establish the National Anti-Corruption CommissionThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. and make the consequential changes needed across the statute book.
Hansard ↗House debate focuses on moving from ACLEIThe old federal anti-corruption body for law enforcement that is being replaced and wound down under this transition bill. to a broader federal watchdog
Speakers described the new commission as a body able to investigate serious or systemic corruption across the Commonwealth public sector, making the transition from the narrower old law-enforcement model a practical necessity.
Hansard ↗House passes the bill
After agreeing to amendments, the House passed the bill so the transition arrangements could move forward with the main anti-corruption package.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Parliament passes the bill
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, clearing the way for the old ACLEIThe old federal anti-corruption body for law enforcement that is being replaced and wound down under this transition bill. framework to be repealed and unfinished matters to continue under the new system.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Royal Assent completes the handover law
Royal Assent turned the bill into an Act, giving legal effect to the transitional machinery for the National Anti-Corruption CommissionThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law..
Parliamentary timeline ↗Legislative route
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
Referred to Committee (28/09/2022): Joint Select Committee on National Anti-Corruption CommissionThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. Legislation; Report due 10/11/2022
Report due 10 Nov 2022
APH bill page notesThe bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The chamber considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.
Consideration in detail debate
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Finally passed both Houses
The Governor-General gave Royal Assent, turning the bill into an Act.
Key criticism
The main criticism was that the bill took some National Anti-Corruption CommissionThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. decisions out of the usual judicial reviewA court process for checking whether a government decision was made lawfully, which this bill narrows for some NACC decisions. system and, together with its coercive powers, could leave people exposed to unfair processes with too little external scrutiny. These concerns were raised mainly by Coalition speakers and some crossbenchers seeking stronger safeguards, even though no party represented in the debate opposed creating the commission itself.
Criticism focused on safeguards and accountability, not on the goal of creating a federal anti-corruption body.
Judicial review carved back
Critics objected to removing many NACCThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. referral, investigation and hearing decisions from the usual Administrative Decisions (Judicial ReviewA court process for checking whether a government decision was made lawfully, which this bill narrows for some NACC decisions.) Act pathway, arguing that people affected by the commission should have stronger court review protections.
Unchecked powers and procedural fairness
Some MPs argued the commission's powers, including hearings, warrants and gag-style restrictions, needed tighter safeguards so people were not unfairly exposed to reputational harm or broad investigative powers without enough due process.
Independence and oversight not strong enough
Crossbenchers and integrity advocates argued the model still left too much government control over oversight, appointments or funding, which could weaken the commission's independence and public credibility over time.
Further sources
Votes
The bill passed both chambers on the voices. The counted divisions below were about amendments or procedure, not final passage.
House agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Senate agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Amendments grouped by chamber. These cards include amendment outcomes recorded without a counted division.
House
The APH progress record says 10 Government amendments were agreed without a counted division being collected by this run.
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
Senate
Defeated 14 to 29. Support came from Greens, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, Nationals, and One Nation.
This would have preserved wider NACCThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. jurisdiction over corruption issues rather than leaving the bill’s narrower definition in place.
Defeated 28 to 36. Support came from Liberal Party, Nationals, and One Nation. Opposition came from Labor, Greens, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents.
This kept the government’s stronger version of the bill intact and defeated the coalition’s attempt to constrain the commission’s powers.
Defeated 15 to 28. Support came from Greens, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, and Nationals.
This would have explicitly signposted that the NACCThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. could investigate pork-barrelling and donation-fuelled influence campaigns.
Defeated 16 to 30. Support came from Greens, Jacqui Lambie Network, One Nation, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, and Nationals.
This left the bill’s tighter rule for holding NACCThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. hearings in public unchanged.
Defeated 14 to 30. Support came from Greens, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, Nationals, and UAP.
This would have strengthened the commission’s financial independence rather than leaving funding control largely with the executive.
Defeated 14 to 27. Support came from Greens, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, and Nationals.
This would have pushed the NACCThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. toward a stronger financial independence model and away from ordinary agency-style budget dependence.
Defeated 13 to 32. Support came from Greens and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, Nationals, and Jacqui Lambie Network.
This would have weakened executive dominance over the committee that oversees NACCThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. appointments and governance.
Senator Cash’s Opposition proposal, agreed on voices, would oppose the bill item dealing with judicial reviewA court process for checking whether a government decision was made lawfully, which this bill narrows for some NACC decisions..
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
These are amendment votes, not the final passage vote on the bill itself. The bill passed both chambers on the voices.
The parliamentary record also shows 10 Government amendments agreed without a counted division.
Parliamentary debate
Start here — lead voices
Dreyfus supports the bill because it provides the legal and transitional machinery needed to establish the National Anti-Corruption CommissionThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. and give it the investigative powers and information-sharing arrangements it needs.
Read in Hansard ↗Henry Pike says the coalition will support the bill in principle, but only with amendments to tighten protections, limit retrospective use, and add stronger oversight so the new anti-corruption commission is fair and not open to abuse.
Read in Hansard ↗Kylea Tink supports the bill and says it is a historic reform that will help rebuild trust in democracy.
Read in Hansard ↗Leeser says the coalition supports the bill and wants the National Anti-Corruption CommissionThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. to pass, but argues it should be strengthened with further safeguards and bipartisan amendments.
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
28 speakers · 30 contributions · 28 support
“The National Anti-Corruption Commission (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill makes consequential amendments to the Commonwealth statute book to support the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (the Commission).”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill is a critical step forward to improving integrity in the Australian public sector and public life, and I commend the bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“To wrap up, this bill is the Albanese government fulfilling its election commitment to establish a powerful, transparent and independent National Anti-Corruption Commission. It's a significant step in restoring trust and integrity back into government, something that the Australian people wanted and voted for at the last election—and we see that corner of the parliament representing that fact as much as this side of the chamber.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We want all members of this parliament to support this National Anti-Corruption Commission.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The National Anti-Corruption Commission (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill makes consequential amendments to the Commonwealth statute book to support the establishment of the commission. The consequential bill will ensure the commission has key investigative powers and has the ability to share and receive information for the purpose of carrying out its functions. The consequential bill will also repeal the Law Enforcement Integrity Commissioner Act 2006 and provide transitional arrangements for the continuation of investigations and inquiries being conducted by the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity, following the establishment of the commission.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I'm really proud to be speaking on this bill today, because it has been many years to get to this point and it is really important. It's one of the many important bills that we'll pass here. I, along with all my colleagues, and the Albanese Labor government, look forward to the whole parliament coming together to pass this important legislation to finally establish—and we will do that—a powerful, transparent and, very importantly, independent National Anti-Corruption Commission. I certainly hope that indeed all of the House supports it. It's important for us in this institution and important for the general public to see that this is what their government is doing, this is what the Labor government is doing. I commend the bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This approach of engagement, consultation, review and listening means that this bill was the strongest and most comprehensive integrity package before this place. It also means that it has the best chance of receiving the support of a majority of this parliament, something essential to restoring trust across this parliament.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The bill has been examined by a parliamentary joint select committee, which delivered a unanimous report to the House recommending the parliament pass these bills.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The National Anti-Corruption Commission Bill 2020 has been a long time coming, and I'm absolutely delighted that we're at this point now.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Australians made very clear that they want a federal parliament that is honest. They want us to be accountable. They want this parliament to be transparent in its operations and its transactions. They want us to restore integrity and confidence in the very heart of our democracy, and that's what this bill does. I couldn't be more proud to stand as a member of the Labor government that is introducing this bill. I sincerely hope that there will be multiparty support. I know there are lots of amendments and lots of negotiations underway, but nobody in this chamber would want to vote against the establishment of a national anticorruption commission. Nobody could go home to their electorates and look anyone in the eye and say, 'We had an opportunity to correct a historical wrong in the Australian parliament, and we failed to stand up and do our duty.' I'm not going home to the people of Newcastle with that message, I can assure you. I don't think anyone in this parliament wants to be telling that story. So I encourage everybody to vote in support of this bill before the House. There is no time to delay. Our Labor government is setting the standard, cleaning up this place and making sure we are a government the Australian people can trust.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“So I commend this bill. Lastly, I say that I hope this commission gets the support it deserves so this profession of ours can have a modicum of mobility restored to it. We have all put our hands up to serve. Let's show the people who put us here that we are serious about winning back their trust.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Whilst I accept that there are some minor changes that might make it a little bit better, at the end of the day it will only be when the legislation is in place and a commissioner appointed that we'll see how well it functions. At that point, if there have to be any other minor amendments, then so be it. But I suspect that, right here and now, the legislation as it stands is the way to go.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I hope and expect to see this bill passed by both houses this week and to see the new Australian National Anti-Corruption Commission commence work by the middle of next year.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“As I said earlier, I'm very proud to be commending this bill to the House because it was an integral part of our commitments when in opposition and also during the election campaign. On the other side of the House we had a government that had promised the voters of Australia that they would deliver a commission and they failed to do so over a period of nine years. I think it's very important, as a first step, in restoring confidence but also in ensuring that we have a body that will be above any interference from anyone, that would investigate serious corruption allegations and issues. I commend this bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The National Anti-Corruption Commission is an important institution that adds to the framework of our democracy. It's not good enough that we didn't have one. It's not good enough that all the states and territories had one. It's not good enough that there was one promised and never delivered. This is now a change to that long line of unsatisfactory outcomes. I'm proud of the Australian Labor Party, of the Albanese Labor government, which is delivering a national anti-corruption commission. It will leave our country in strong stead. It is an important reform not just for this parliament but for the Australian people, and I commend these bills to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I conclude by congratulating the Attorney on the outstanding job that he is doing, and I call upon all members of this House to vote for this legislation.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Patrick Gorman on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Patrick Gorman supports the bill and says Labor is delivering the long-promised National Anti-Corruption CommissionThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law. to lift integrity and restore trust in government. He argues it is overdue, properly funded, and designed as an independent watchdog with broad powers across the Commonwealth public sector.
“In 2022, it is again a Labor government which has the responsibility to introduce a higher standard of the code of conduct for ministers and their staff. Now we take the next step in introducing a National Anti-Corruption Commission. This is meaningful action to drive out corruption. It's something that was promised by the coalition but delivered today by Labor.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Patrick Gorman supports the bill and says it will create a powerful, independent anti-corruption commission with the powers and funding needed to investigate corrupt conductThe kind of behaviour the NACC can investigate, including abuse of office, breach of public trust, misuse of information, and similar wrongdoing. and restore trust in government. He also criticises the previous coalition for promising integrity reform without delivering it.
“Therefore, all Australians deserve to have confidence that their democracy is working for them. That is why we've introduced the National Anti-Corruption Commission Bill 2022, to create that powerful, transparent and truly independent National Anti-Corruption Commission, with the powers necessary and the funding necessary to investigate corrupt conduct, to investigate the past and the present, to prevent for the future—independently and without political interference—and to restore integrity and trust in government.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“This bill reflects the best of the state and territory models. Importantly, this legislation was an election commitment that we on this side of the House take seriously. I'm incredibly proud that the Albanese Labor government is bringing in this legislation as a matter of priority, and I'm proud of the consultative way we have done it.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“That's why the Albanese Labor government takes our promise that we made to the Australian people seriously, and that is to tackle corruption and to restore trust, integrity, honesty and accountability to federal politics. This legislation gives effect to the principles we took to the election and that were endorsed by the Australian people. It delivers on a commitment by the Albanese government to legislate a powerful, transparent and independent National Anti-Corruption Commission. It also draws on the best elements of state and territory anticorruption commissions and laws. This bill provides the commission with a broad jurisdiction to investigate serious or systemic corrupt conduct across the Commonwealth public sector.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The National Anti-Corruption Commission Bill continues to deliver our commitment to legislate a powerful, transparent and independent National Anti-Corruption Commission. I'm proud that ours is a government that values integrity, honesty and accountability. I will always respect my community and act in a way that is befitting the people I care about, and part of demonstrating that is providing my full support for this legislation.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“As someone who has had the privilege of being a member of the government for six months—I've been here for six years—I'm so proud of this government, this Prime Minister and this Attorney-General for delivering on our commitments to the Australian people. This legislation is particularly important, and I have been a strong supporter, as I say, of a national integrity and anti-corruption commission since before it was even my party's policy. A federal anti-corruption commission is long overdue. Australians deserve a robust system of accountability. As I was able to tell Michael, and indeed the many Lyons constituents I speak to daily, the introduction of this bill shows that this government is delivering on our promise to tackle corruption and restore trust and integrity to federal politics. The Albanese government is committed to integrity, honesty and accountability in government, and this legislation is a cornerstone of this government's agenda to restore public trust and strengthen standards of integrity in our federal government.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Gordon Reid on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Reid supports the bill, saying it will establish an independent anti-corruption commission with strong powers, safeguards, and funding to restore accountability and integrity in federal government.
“Today we begin the process to fulfil the election commitment of establishing an independent federal anti-corruption commission. This is forward thinking. This is nation-building. This is how you return accountability and integrity to federal politics and to government. This is what trust looks like.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Reid supports the bill, saying it delivers Labor’s election promise to establish a powerful, transparent and independent National Anti-Corruption CommissionThe new federal watchdog this bill helps set up and carry over into law.. He argues it is needed to restore honesty, integrity and public trust in federal politics.
“This legislation, the National Anti-Corruption Commission Bill 2022, delivers on the commitment made by our government, the Albanese Labor government, during the course of the 2022 federal election campaign. It delivers on our commitment to legislate a powerful, transparent and independent National Anti-Corruption Commission. What this bill does at the local level is that it allows me to look my constituents in the eye and say that our government is returning honesty, integrity and accountability to federal politics. This bill is the cornerstone of the Albanese government's agenda to restore public trust and strengthen the standards of integrity.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“The National Anti-Corruption Commission will be transparent, independent and have a broad jurisdiction in what and who it investigates. The legislation before the House strikes the right balance, creating a strong anticorruption commission while also ensuring there is procedural fairness and safeguards.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The government is restoring public confidence in the parliament and public officials through the introduction of the National Anti-Corruption Commission and a broad integrity reform program, which includes offering greater protections for whistleblowers. I commend this legislation to the Senate.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Before the election Labor promised we would be a government that Australians could be proud of, both nationally and globally, a government committed to integrity, honesty and accountability, unlike those who came before us. Our priority since been elected has been to legislate a powerful, transparent and independent national anti-corruption commission by the end of the year. This is an essential step to fulfil our promise to the Australian people.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“What we're seeing today is a government that has done two things. It has delivered upon the commitment that it made, but it's also a government that has resolved to work across the parliament with goodwill to try to make sure that in working across the parliament we're delivering a national anticorruption commission that is fit for purpose; has broad support; is durable and effective; and can do its job.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Australians have had enough, and that's why, at the last election, they voted for change. They supported Labor's policy to establish a strong and independent National Anti-Corruption Commission. The National Anti-Corruption Commission Bill 2022 delivers on that commitment. It will establish a strong Anti-Corruption Commission with the powers to investigate and prosecute serious and systemic corruption. It will be independent from government. It will have the necessary powers to investigate alleged corruption by politicians and public officials, and those that engage with them. It will have the power to compel people to give evidence and to produce documents and materials relevant to its investigations. Importantly, it will have the power to conduct hearings in public so that the public can know what's going on, when and if it is in the public interest to do so.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The National Anti-Corruption Commission (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill makes consequential amendments to the Commonwealth statute book to support the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
15 speakers · 11 support · 4 mixed
“Let me reiterate: the coalition supports the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The government has the balance right on several matters, but there's further work to do. We believe that the government's bill would be improved by adopting the bipartisan recommendations of the joint select committee and by some additional measures that are needed. We intend to bring forward amendments in the consideration-in-detail phase to deal with these measures. Our amendments are designed to implement safeguards to ensure that the bill gets the balance right.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise in support of the coalition's proposed amendments to the National Anti-Corruption Commission Bill 2022 and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2022. The amendments offer commonsense protections to some of the more contentious elements of these bills. The additional protections we are seeking are to ensure that people brought before the NACC get a fair hearing and to ensure bipartisanship in the appointment of the commissioner.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The coalition supports this bill. I support this bill. Aspects of the process have been very undesirable. We will be moving amendments to seek to improve the bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“With those comments, I commend this bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We do support a National Anti-Corruption Commission, but we will be proposing amendments to ensure that it is done right. We support integrity in politics. We've been supporting it for a long time, and we supported it well before the election. There's no hiding the fact that integrity and the establishment of a national body to weed out bad behaviour became an election issue. In fact, we heard about it quite frequently throughout the election campaign, and it became quite political. It's now a long time since then, and a lot has happened. And here, today, we have a bill in front of us. We support an anticorruption commission, but we have serious concerns about the form it takes in this bill. While we need a powerful body that is strong enough to not only punish bad behaviour but also act as a deterrent to those who are tempted to do wrong, we must make sure those powers don't go too far.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We support an anticorruption commission because corruption is wrong, and we know that, and corruption should not be tolerated in any form. But, by the same token, we have to get the parameters of this legislation right such that we don't get innocent people—who may be named or may be shamed, indeed, by association—dragged through some anticorruption hearing, who are as honest as the day is long, who are more pure than the driven snow. That's what worries me about this legislation and about the Anti-Corruption Commission.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Notwithstanding these improvements that I would like to see, this is a good bill and worthy of the House's support. I sincerely look forward to seeing this legislation passed with broad support because, as I've previously expressed, any bill put forward must be a result of nonpartisan collaboration.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“In conclusion, whilst we believe there are numerous measures that would strengthen this body and provide safeguards for individuals, I want to reiterate the coalition's support for the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The support for this body across the parliament is clear. It is a clear message to the Australian people that corruption is wrong and that the parliament is dealing with corruption seriously.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“As for the legislation and the framework before this House, I continue to question why members of the Australian Defence Force and other Public Service agencies are subject to the commission whereas trade union officials, who wield large political power, particularly with this government, are exempt. So I call on this parliament to support amendments to close this obvious and ominous loophole in the framework.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We are supportive of this bill, with these amendments, because corruption is wrong and it should, and must, be stamped out. It was a coalition government that introduced Australia's first ICAC, in 1988. We want this commission to succeed, but we must balance the need to stamp out corruption with the need to protect the lives of those people brought before the commission.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We've engaged in good faith because we want the National Anti-Corruption Commission to be, as the Attorney-General stated during question time, as good as it can be—thank you, Attorney-General. We want to strengthen the NACC.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“While we as a party support the NACC, it's important, as I've said, that we take serious care to get the balance right.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“While we support the establishment of a national anticorruption commission, as we've heard in this debate it is absolutely critical to get it right. The bill, after all, does confer extraordinary powers on the commission and also applies to a very broad range of Australians, not just parliamentarians and public servants here in Canberra but a wide range of people—those working for the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Federal Police and agencies such as the National Disability Insurance Agency, and aged-care workers, as well as any contractor or subcontractor, or any person exercising a power under a law of the Commonwealth. However, as we've also heard in this debate, somehow, conveniently, it doesn't apply to union officials exercising a power under a law of the Commonwealth, and I'll return to that point in a moment. With such a broad application and the commission having all the powers of a royal commission, it's critical that we get this bill right.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The proposed changes will make the NACC a fairer and more just body, which is exactly what is needed when making decisions around corruption.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“It is imperative that we have the right National Anti-Corruption Commission Act and that it is fit for purpose, and there are a number of sections that concern me greatly that it is not fit for purpose.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
6 speakers · 5 support · 1 mixed
“Finally, as Greens, we are focused on the outcome. We want the best, the most independent and the most transparent NACC that we can achieve. We will work across this parliament to get the numbers to achieve that. I think we've got a lot of work to do in committee, but I can say this clearly: in just a few short days we will finally have a National Anti-Corruption Commission, and it's well past time.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Of course, we need a federal anti-corruption watchdog and we will be supporting this bill, but a federal NACC is not enough.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill is an absolutely important step forward when it comes to accountability and integrity. Indeed, this is a chance to get it right. Getting it right does mean listening to the whistleblowers and civil society organisations and associations who have provided excellent advice and feedback about amendments that we need to make to this bill. There is a strong public mandate for a truly independent, accountable and empowered commission that can get to the bottom of integrity matters, including porkbarrelling and dodgy donations. This bill gets right the establishment and powers of the commission generally. We strongly support the retrospective capacity. The test of serious or systematic is generally appropriate.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“So it is no wonder that public trust in politics and politicians is low, and it is our job to re-establish that trust. An independent corruption watchdog at the federal level is a big step towards this, and I commend the government for acting quickly on this much-needed reform after coming into power—admittedly, after many, many years of hard campaigning by the Greens. But there is so much more to do. Let's ban dirty donations from industries like gambling, fossil fuels, alcohol and tobacco. Let's stop the revolving door between politics and industrial lobbyists. Let's end pork-barrelling. After all, a corruption watchdog is only as powerful as the rules that define corruption.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“In sum, this bill to establish the National Anti-Corruption Commission is an important first step—one that has come about based on the relentless advocacy of many, including many Greens MPs, as well as mounting community pressure that is too big for the government to ignore.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I'm very pleased to rise to speak in support of the National Anti-Corruption Commission Bill 2022 and the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
1 speaker · 1 support
“This bill, when passed with appropriate amendments, will go a long way towards setting up a workable scheme, ensuring that integrity becomes a fundamental feature of our legislative and executive arms of government.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
13 speakers · 12 support · 1 mixed
“On behalf of the people of North Sydney, I commend the National Anti-Corruption Commission bills to the House. I sincerely hope that this legacy piece of reform will outlive my time in this House as well as your own. Thank you.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Parliamentary moments that cut through the noise—another trip to the Attorney-General's office or the Prime Minister's office, collaboration, working with the people—have borne results. I call on all members of this parliament to support my amendments and for us all to support this bill. I sincerely hope today is the first step in the long road to restoring trust in federal politics and integrity to public life. (Time expired)”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Ultimately, I strongly support the establishment of a National Anti-Corruption Commission, along with many members of this crossbench and of this parliament.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I call on members to support my amendment. It's something I think we would all agree with in principle, and it doesn't in any way prevent the bill from progressing. So I do call on members to support my amendment, and I look forward to supporting the amended, or at least the unamended, NACC Bill in due course.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I commend the government, and particularly the Attorney-General and his staff, for their work on this once-in-a-generation bill. I will support it, but I say again: this is your legacy. Don't blink.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“So we've got the crossbench backing an integrity commission that works, and we've got the major parties voting together to prevent it. In spite of that, I'm going to vote for it, because I will take a bad NACC over what we've had in the past few years.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I applaud the effort that has gone into constructing this bill, with the leadership of the member for Indi, and the consultation which has seen community groups and multiple sectors contribute to the committee's report on the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The government should be commended for recognising the importance of this bill and for their willingness to cooperate with the crossbench to give this bill the robust debate it deserves and hear from all sides of the chamber. But I feel it is my duty to raise concerns about the potential harm the bill will cause in the lives of some multicultural communities and individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds across the country if we don't put in place measures to create a culture of inclusivity within the commission and assist people to participate in providing evidence or have dialogues with the commission and investigators, without resorting to self-harm.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The people of Kooyong want to be able to trust their government. The people of Kooyong want to be proud of their government. I'm privileged to be in this House and to have the opportunity to support the National Anti-Corruption Commission Bill. The people of Kooyong voted for this law, and I'm proud to be able to deliver it. I commend my amendment to the House, and I thank the government for the opportunity to speak on this very important legislation.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“In conclusion, I commend the Attorney-General on the introduction of this bill and thank him for his consultation and measured consideration of feedback in the lead-up to its introduction. I think this bill will go a long way to restoring some of the public trust in government that's been destroyed over the last few terms. I look forward to the establishment of the NACC, and I'll continue to play my role in scrutinising the activities of the commission to make sure it's operating independently and fairly.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This National Anti-Corruption Commission is a huge step in the right direction. Australians have wanted it for some time. I really welcome the introduction of this legislation. Clearly there's more work to be done. This is a start. This is ideally a safety net that doesn't get used much. There's much work to do in terms of cultural change and driving the right behaviours, and there's clearly more work to be done to restore public trust in government. We need whistleblower law reform, we need electoral law reform and we need truth in political advertising laws. I urge the government to amend the bill to strengthen this and make it a world-leading anticorruption commission and the anticorruption commission that Australians have asked for and deserve.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Overall, this represents a sound, practical improvement to the bill which will ensure that the operation of this vitally important legislation is properly reviewed before the end of its first five years. I have been calling for a national integrity commission with teeth since I was first elected over six years ago. We now have before us the most exciting opportunity of all to make sure this is done and done properly, and I commend this bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“To finally be debating this bill in the House is actually momentous. Its passage will enhance democracy, and I wholeheartedly thank the government for addressing this critical issue so early in their first term, as promised. This bill is strong. It will be a potent tool to combat corruption, but further amendments will assist in achieving this high ambition. A non-government majority on the committee, robust whistleblower protections and public hearings will ensure that the National Anti-Corruption Commission is as effective as possible.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I'm happy this government is acting on the message the electorates have sent. I'm happy this government has moved quickly to introduce this legislation.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Record
House · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
House · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading agreed to
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
House · Consideration in detail: amendments considered
Amendment packages agreed
The chamber considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.
House · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Senate · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Senate · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Senate · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Senate · Second reading agreed to
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Senate · Committee of the Whole debate
Committee of the Whole debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Senate · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Parliament · Finally passed both Houses
Passed both houses
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Assent · Assent
Assent
The Governor-General gave Royal Assent, turning the bill into an Act.
Joint Select Committee on National Anti-Corruption Commission Legislation
Report due 10 Nov 2022
Referred to Committee (28 Sept 2022): Joint Select Committee on National Anti-Corruption Commission Legislation; Report due 10 Nov 2022
APH bill page notes
