Inside the National Anti‑Corruption Commission: Your 60‑Second Guide to a Highly Principled Government Career 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the National Anti‑Corruption Commission (NACC)? We’ve dissected their Annual Report so you don’t have to! Below, you’ll uncover key details about this vital agency—from its core functions and future initiatives to the academic and professional backgrounds that fit best. Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or fresh out of school, this snapshot equips you to plot your path towards a rewarding career in the Australian Public Service.
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: National Anti‑Corruption Commission
Location: Head office in Canberra; offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth
CEO: Philip Reed
Total Revenue: Not reported as a single "total revenue" figure in the Annual Report. However, employee-related and supplier expenses for 2023–24 indicate a multi-million dollar budget (over $47 million in direct expenses). The Commission’s net assets (inherited from ACLEI plus new appropriations) stand at around $37.4 million .
Total Number of Employees: ~220 staff by 30 June 2024
THE QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited:
Bachelor of Public Administration, Policy, or Governance – Helps in understanding and shaping government systems.
Bachelor of Criminology or Criminal Justice – Ideal for investigative and analytical roles involving alleged wrongdoing.
Bachelor of Law (LLB/JD) – Key for interpreting legislative frameworks and ensuring compliance.
Bachelor of Business or Commerce – Useful for evaluating procurement, contracts, and financial records.
Bachelor of Information Technology / Cybersecurity – Essential for digital forensics and safeguarding sensitive data.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited:
Project Management Professional (PMP)® – Shows mastery in running complex projects and meeting deadlines.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) – Great for spotting system weaknesses and irregularities.
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) – Focuses on investigative techniques for uncovering fraudulent activities.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – Key for protecting data in high-security investigations.
Government Security Clearances (AGSVA) – Required to access sensitive or classified materials during investigations.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited:
Investigative Journalism – Sharpens your ability to conduct in-depth, fact-based research.
Forensic Accounting – Specialized in detecting irregularities in financial transactions.
IT and Network Administration – Critical for managing secure databases and preventing cyber threats.
Legal Practice (Solicitor/Barrister) – Interprets and applies law in investigations.
Policy and Compliance – Translates broad government frameworks into everyday practice.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited:
Analytical Thinking – Critical for reviewing data and spotting emerging patterns of misconduct.
Attention to Detail – Investigations hinge on detecting subtle, yet meaningful discrepancies.
Stakeholder Engagement – Coordinate effectively with partner agencies and teams.
Report Writing – Communicate findings in clear, evidence-based narratives.
Adaptive Problem-Solving – Corruption issues can be sudden; staying flexible is a must.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited:
Government or Public Sector Roles – Insights into public sector operations are invaluable.
Law Enforcement or Regulatory Investigations – Ensures familiarity with gathering evidence.
Finance & Accounting (esp. Auditing) – Skills in tracing financial flows and uncovering anomalies.
Legal Advisory or Litigation – Useful for everything from compliance to drafting briefs.
Large-Scale Project Management – Helps coordinate multifaceted investigations.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: National Anti‑Corruption Commission
Name of CEO: Philip Reed
Location: Australia-wide (with offices in multiple capital cities)
Year Founded: Legislation passed in 2022, with operations commencing 1 July 2023
Main Mission and Purpose:
Enhance integrity in the Commonwealth public sector by detecting, investigating, and preventing serious or systemic corrupt conduct by public officials.Real-World Example: If a senior officer is believed to have manipulated a multimillion-dollar procurement process for personal gain, the NACC investigates to ensure accountability.
Main Duties of the Department:
Investigate and deter serious or systemic corruption (sometimes jointly with other agencies)
Educate the public sector and the wider community about preventing corruption
Handle referrals from both the public and agencies
Provide oversight when corruption issues are referred back to agencies
Real-World Example: Delivering training on conflict of interest management to reduce improper decision-making.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans & Initiatives:
Developing “strategic corruption priorities” (e.g., high-risk areas like border operations, complex procurements, or senior decision-making)
Coordinating with state, territory, and international anti-corruption bodies for research and best practices
Growing internal capacity and ICT systems to handle increased referral volumes
Did You Know?
More than 3,000 referrals were received in the agency’s first 12 months, with around 2,443 deemed out of scope or not involving a corruption issue—emphasizing how significant the remaining ~750 can be .
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: ~220 (growing from 154 in July 2023)
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level:
Exact classification data not published in detail in a single table.
As of 30 June 2024:
Approx. 215 APS employees (APS 3 – EL2)
6 SES employees
1 CEO, 3 Deputy Commissioners, 1 Commissioner, plus seconded officers (AFP, AUSTRAC)
Salary Bands:
APS 1: $53,663–$57,182
APS 2: $58,556–$64,930
APS 3: $66,694–$71,983
APS 4: $74,329–$80,708
APS 5: $82,908–$87,913
APS 6: $90,199–$102,860
EL 1: $114,209–$138,791
EL 2: $140,402–$158,205
SES 1: $200,000–$269,902
Average Salary in the Department: Estimated to be around $115,000–$120,000, reflecting a high proportion of EL and APS 6 roles.
Total Revenue: The Commission does not publish a single “total revenue” figure but has significant appropriations to support investigations, outreach, and day-to-day operations.
Average Revenue per Employee: Not published, but the Commission’s resource base comfortably supports an average staffing level (ASL) of 189 at the end of 2023–24.
GETTING A JOB AT THE NACC
Which Academic Subjects Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Certificate IV in Government (Investigation) or Financial Services
Diploma in Business, Project Management, or Procurement
Bachelor / Master Level:
Bachelor of Laws (LLB/JD) – Critical for legal interpretation and ensuring compliance
Bachelor or Master of Accounting / Finance – Investigating suspicious financial transactions
Master of Public Policy / Administration – For advanced policy design and public sector governance
PhDs:
PhD in Data Science, Criminology, or Legal Studies – For high-level analytical, forensic, or policy insights
Which Trades and Professions Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
IT & Cyber Specialists – Manage secure systems and detect data breaches.
Forensic Accountants – Uncover misconduct hidden in financial records.
Experienced Investigators (e.g., law enforcement) – Lead complex investigations.
Legal Practitioners – Draft warrants, briefs, and interpret legislation.
Policy Advisors – Align the NACC’s objectives with government frameworks.
Which Work Experiences Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Public Service Expertise – Understanding APS processes is indispensable for investigating within government.
Law Enforcement or Regulatory Experience – Knowledge of advanced evidence-gathering techniques.
Financial Auditing & Compliance – Essential for identifying anomalies in resource allocations.
Legal Advisory – Enhances oversight and ensures decisions are defensible.
Project & Contract Management – Helps deliver large-scale strategic initiatives and investigations.
Which Skills Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Soft Skills:
Ethical Decision-Making – Maintaining high integrity under complex pressures.
Clear Communication & Negotiation – Collaborate effectively with diverse teams.
Technical Skills:
Data Analysis & Digital Forensics – Harness advanced tools to uncover hidden evidence.
Legislative Interpretation – Translate law into actionable insights.
General Skills:
Critical Thinking – Detect subtle wrongdoing in broad operational contexts.
Stakeholder Collaboration – Partner across agencies, states, and territories.
Which Hobbies and Interests Align with the Work of This Department?
Puzzle-Solving & Strategy Games – Sharpens the investigative edge.
Community Advocacy or Volunteering – Demonstrates commitment to public service ideals.
Tech Enthusiasm – Stay updated on cybersecurity trends.
Reading About Legal/Policy Innovations – Encourages up-to-date knowledge in governance.
WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THIS DEPARTMENT?
Contact the National Anti‑Corruption Commission:
Address: Level 4, 5 Constitution Avenue, Canberra ACT 2601
Telephone: 1300 489 844
Email: governance@nacc.gov.au
Website: nacc.gov.au
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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information, including annual reports. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information on this article. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this article.