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ICAC media policy

The ICAC recognises the important role the media plays in informing the public about its work, including corruption prevention initiatives, public inquiries and reports.

Subject to operational and legal constraints, the ICAC provides the media with information about its work where to do so is practical and possible. Generally, however, the ICAC will neither confirm nor deny that a particular complaint has been received and will not comment on any matter that is the subject of ongoing investigation or consideration.

Investigation reports

The ICAC presents final reports detailing the findings of its major investigations to the NSW Parliament via the Presiding Officers - the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and the President of the Legislative Council.

In presenting each report, the ICAC recommends to the Presiding Officer that the report be made public immediately. It is up to the discretion of the Presiding Officer as to when each report is made public, and under section 78 of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988, the Presiding Officer has up to 15 sitting days to lay the report before the relevant House of Parliament. Despite holding these discretionary powers, the Presiding Officer usually accepts the ICAC's recommendation to make its report public immediately.

Once an ICAC report is made public by a Presiding Officer, the ICAC's Manager Communications and Media issues a media release to journalists outlining the findings and recommendations contained in the report. The report, the media release and a fact sheet are also immediately posted on the ICAC website.

Public inquiries

See Media information for public inquiries for detailed information for journalists and procedures during public inquiries.

Corruption prevention initiatives

The Commission has a legislative role to reduce public sector corruption and to educate the general community. The ICAC develops resources, carries out research and holds special events to promote corruption prevention initiatives. Journalists are invited to contact the ICAC's Manager Communications and Media for further information about these activities.