Transparency and accountability are cornerstones of integrity. However, the Commission generally conducts its investigations in private. Here’s why:
- Protecting investigations: Publicising details of investigations can compromise them. It limits investigatory pathways, particularly the use of covert powers. It can result in the destruction or concoction of evidence.
- Safeguarding whistleblowers and witnesses: Confidentiality protects people who give us information from retaliation and undue pressure.
- Preventing unfair damage to reputations: Most investigations do not result in findings of wrongdoing. Linking individuals to an investigation can cause unjust harm to their reputations.
- Encouraging cooperation: Individuals are more likely to cooperate fully with investigators if the matter is not in the public eye.
- The NACC Act: Our governing legislation requires that, unless there are exceptional circumstances, we conduct our proceedings in private. This means it is generally unlawful for us to disclose information obtained in the course of our activities.
The Commission publishes regular statistics on referrals, assessments and investigations to provide as much information as we can.
Our Annual Report and other communications provide additional context, including the categories of individuals under investigation, the main trends we are seeing, and our priority areas.