Australia to create national anti-corruption commission

Sydney, The Gulf Observer: Australia’s government said it will introduce legislation to create a National Anti-Corruption Commission, after years of debate over the need for an independent regulator for politicians.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Attorney General Mark Dreyfus said in a statement the move would “restore trust and integrity in politics”, and funding of A$262 million ($169.8 million) over four years will be provided. A bill is expected to be introduced to parliament on Wednesday.

The commission will investigate serious or systemic corruption by federal government ministers, parliamentarians, political staff and employees of, or contractors to, government entities.

It will have retrospective powers, and be able to make findings of corruption, or refer criminal matters to federal police or public prosecutors, the statement said.