NCJ Number
122095
Journal
Criminology Australia Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: (June/July 1989) Pages: 5-7
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) was established in New South Wales, Australia, in 1988 to monitor public sector corruption.
Abstract
The ICAC is a statutory corporation consisting of a single commissioner who has total direction and control of the commission. The focus of the ICAC Act is on corrupt conduct in the public sector. The commission, however, is not a law enforcement agency; its mandate is to investigate by a variety of means and powers given to it allegations of corrupt conduct and to communicate its findings to the appropriate authorities, including law enforcement agencies. The commission also has an important educational role, to advise on ways corrupt conduct can be eliminated and to educate the public on the importance of maintaining the integrity of public administration. Corrupt conduct is defined as conduct that adversely affects the honest or impartial exercise of duties by public officials, conduct that constitutes a breach of public trust, and conduct that involves the misuse of information acquired in the course of official functions. A Parliamentary Joint Committee is responsible for monitoring and reviewing the commission's functional accountability. Provision has also been made for an Operations Review Committee to advise the commission on whether to investigate a complaint or discontinue an investigation.