Corruption watchdog launches first two investigations

The new federal integrity watchdog has opened two investigations including a joint probe with a state agency.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission has received 908 referrals since it began on July 1.

The commission on Wednesday revealed two investigations had been opened, while five more were at a preliminary stage.

The NACC has not revealed the nature of the two investigations.

Preliminary investigations help the commission decide whether there is a corruption issue that should be further investigated.

The commission can use some of its investigatory powers in a preliminary investigation, such as compelling the provision of information or documents.

NACC officers are also working on six active investigations inherited from the former Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity.

Since July 1, 310 referrals have been excluded at the triage stage because they did not involve a Commonwealth public official or raise a corruption issue.

Among the other referrals, 198 are pending triage, 150 are in active triage and 145 referrals are under the second stage of assessment.

Commissioner Paul Brereton spoke to the Coalition party room in Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday, having already spoken to the Labor caucus, Greens party room and independent MPs.

The presentations focused on MPs’ rights and responsibilities in relation to the commission.

– AAP