Corruption Matters - May 2019 | Issue 53
ICAC reaches its 30-year milestone
“The commission will have an independent discretion, and will decide what should be investigated and how it should be investigated. That is the whole point of having a commission independent of the Executive Government and responsible only to Parliament.”
On 26 May 1988, then premier the Hon Nick Greiner delivered the second reading speech of the ICAC (Amendment) Bill to the NSW Legislative Assembly, imploring members to study the Bill closely and bear in mind the great responsibility they had to ensure that “the public institutions that are central to a democratic society are beyond reproach and deserving of public confidence”.
The Bill was assented to by the governor, and passed swiftly through both Houses of Parliament, receiving royal assent on 9 August 1988. A month later, the premier announced Ian Temby QC’s appointment as the commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the first commission of its kind in Australian history.
On 13 March 1989, the doors of the ICAC opened to the public rather modestly. In his opening address, Commissioner Temby pointed out to a small body of around 25 staff at premises in Redfern, a few kilometres from the Sydney CBD, which had been fitted out temporarily but that would eventually “make a fine set of offices”.
“We are however in a position to commence work now,” he added.
The year 2019 marks the ICAC’s third decade of operation, with staff numbering around 120 people, working from the ICAC’s current premises at 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, and with dedicated activities that reach all rural and regional areas of the state.
“It is a significant milestone to have achieved,” says the Hon Peter Hall QC, ICAC Chief Commissioner, “and the sentiment expressed in those inaugural speeches with regard to our commitment to the integrity of, and trust in, the public sector has not waned.”
“Every Australian state and territory now has a dedicated body with an anti-corruption remit. The NSW ICAC contributed to those pioneering first steps and it is a legacy we are proud of.”
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