Overview

• The NSW Ombudsman’s special report tabled on July 7 found that June settlement deeds required complainants to cease or withdraw allegations lodged with the Ombudsman, ICAC or other statutory bodies.
• Ombudsman Paul Miller labelled the deed provisions “deeply concerning, inappropriate and unacceptable” and warned they created a chilling effect on integrity oversight.
• ICAC chief commissioner John Hatzistergos warned that enforcing such provisions would amount to unlawful detrimental action and supported a government-wide directive to all agencies.
• Scott Johnston, deputy secretary of State Revenue, admitted the complaint-blocking terms were neither appropriate nor acceptable and confirmed Revenue NSW will adopt the Ombudsman’s recommendations.
• The Centre for Public Integrity has urged a full government-wide audit to identify any similar non-complaint clauses, a review the Premier’s Department is now weighing.