Some breaking news now and the nation’s corruption watchdog will investigate six individuals referred to it, following a review of the Robodebt Royal Commission.

In October, the National Anti-Corruption Commission revealed it would reconsider its decision not to launch a corruption probe, finding commissioner Paul Brereton should have “removed himself from related decision-making processes” due to an “apprehended bias”.

That review was conducted by Geoffrey Nettle AC KC.

Minutes ago, the NACC released this statement:

“As a result of the decision made by its independent reconsideration delegate, Mr Geoffrey Nettle AC KC, on 10 February 2025, the Commission will investigate the 6 referrals it received from the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme.”

“The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether or not any of the 6 referred persons engaged in corrupt conduct.”

“Consistent with its usual practice, the Commission does not publish reasons for commencing an investigation, as doing so may prejudice the investigations, disclose information which the Commission is required by law to keep confidential, compromise investigative pathways and/or unfairly impact reputations and rights of individuals to impartial adjudication. “

“The Commission is nowmaking arrangements to ensure the impartial and fair investigation of the referrals, as it did with the appointment of Mr Nettle as independent reconsideration delegate. “

“The Commissioner and those Deputy Commissioners who were involved in the original decision not to investigate the referrals, will not participate in the investigation.”