Overview

• The NACC released its inaugural public investigation report confirming corruption by Joanne Simeson in the Department of Home Affairs.
• The report found she created and approved a job requisition for her sister’s fiancé and forged a witness signature to fast-track his hiring.
• She concealed her family relationship and provided interview questions in advance to her sister during a separate recruitment process.
• The commission recommended her termination but her resignation preempted that measure.
• Commissioner Paul Brereton said the case illustrates systemic recruitment risks and urged mandatory conflict-of-interest disclosures.