Overview
- Inspector Gail Furness invoked s184(1)(e) of the NACC Act to investigate the commissioner's involvement in defence-related referrals and his ongoing engagement with the Inspector‑General of the ADF.
- Furness said material provided by the NACC warranted an agency maladministration or officer misconduct investigation after nearly 90 complaints were received since July.
- NACC chief executive Philip Reed said the commission will cooperate with the inquiry, with both Reed and Furness appearing at Senate estimates today while Brereton is not required to attend.
- Media disclosures showed Brereton continued advising the IGADF without initially informing the NACC or government, prompting an October request for clarification from Attorney‑General Michelle Rowland and his subsequent recusal from defence matters.
- The Albanese government says Brereton retains its confidence despite the fresh inquiry, which follows a 2024 inspector finding that he committed officer misconduct over a separate Robodebt conflict.