‘A serious mess’: The crisis inside the corruption watchdog
May 29, 2026 •
Paul Brereton – the outgoing head of Australia’s National Anti-Corruption Commission – was grilled at Senate estimates this week.
Brereton’s time leading the body charged with investigating serious corruption in the Commonwealth public sector has ended in a crisis of confidence – over Robodebt, his ongoing Defence links, and whether the watchdog properly managed conflicts of interest.
Brereton says he has become a distraction from the commission’s work. But his resignation raises the question: do the NACC’s problems end with him?
Today, independent journalist Nick Feik, on how Australia’s anti-corruption watchdog ended up in crisis – and whether it can recover.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Guest: Independent journalist Nick Feik
‘A serious mess’: The crisis inside the corruption watchdog
1931 • May 29, 2026
‘A serious mess’: The crisis inside the corruption watchdog
Paul Brereton – the outgoing head of Australia’s National Anti-Corruption Commission – was grilled at Senate estimates this week.
Brereton’s time leading the body charged with investigating serious corruption in the Commonwealth public sector has ended in a crisis of confidence – over Robodebt, his ongoing Defence links, and whether the watchdog properly managed conflicts of interest.
Brereton says he has become a distraction from the commission’s work. But his resignation raises the question: do the NACC’s problems end with him?
Today, independent journalist Nick Feik, on how Australia’s anti-corruption watchdog ended up in crisis – and whether it can recover.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Guest: Independent journalist Nick Feik
Photo: AAP Image/Dominic Giannini
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7am is a daily show from Solstice Media.
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