National anti-corruption commission appointments will be the federal government's chance to demonstrate it is serious about establishing a robust and independent integrity body.
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After legislation passed last year to establish the commission, a parliamentary committee is preparing to consider the attorney-general's recommendations for a commissioner and senior officers who will lead the way on federal integrity.
Independent MP Helen Haines was elected deputy chair of the committee, a move she said demonstrated a strong message of bipartisan collaboration on anti-corruption measures.
The committee's establishment means the government can nominate a commissioner and other senior offices who, if approved, will be appointed.
"Appointments are a chance to establish the culture of the commission which will be critical going forward, so I don't expect it to be politicised," Dr Haines told AAP.
"The independence of the NACC is crucial to its effectiveness and the best possible candidates will be those who operate without political fear or favour."
Dr Haines remained confident the commission would begin operating by July, as promised by Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus.
"It's a substantial shift from previous operations of government and a huge step forward on integrity," she said.
The commission will investigate serious or systemic corrupt conduct across the commonwealth public sector by ministers, parliamentarians and their staff, statutory officer holders, employees of all government entities and government contractors.
It will operate independently of government and be able to launch inquiries on its own initiative or in response to referrals, including from whistleblowers and the public.
Committee chair Linda White, a Victorian Labor senator, expected nominations for an inaugural commissioner from the attorney-general soon, as the position was advertised in December.
She will seek committee consensus for commission appointments based on the applicant's merit and experience.
"It's a serious job for a serious person and it will be a high-profile, hard working position," she said.
"The job will come with a spotlight, rightly so, and I expect the government will bring quality candidates."
Once the committee has appointed a commissioner and officers, its work will shift to oversight of the integrity body's budget and functions, but will not monitor investigations.
Senator White said the establishment of a federal integrity commission was a watershed moment for Australia.
"It hasn't gone unnoticed by the public ... who can see honesty and integrity in federal politics being taken seriously," she said.
But Dr Haines said further defences for whistleblowers were needed and she would continue to push the government on these measures.
"If we want to see real reform we need a whistleblower protection commission," she said.
Australian Associated Press
