Canberra · Commonwealth and federal crime
NACC and ACIC investigations.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission have powers ordinary police do not, including compulsory hearings. If you have received a notice or a summons, the first step is advice, before you answer anything.
- NACCCorruption inquiryCommonwealth public officials
- ACICSerious crime intelCompulsory examinations
- PowersNotices, hearingsCompel answers and documents
- ThenReferral to CDPPBriefs can lead to charges
The National Anti-Corruption Commission.
The NACC operates under the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022 (Cth). It investigates serious or systemic corruption involving Commonwealth public officials. It has coercive powers: it can issue notices to produce documents and information, and it can hold hearings at which a person must attend and answer questions. Hearings are private by default, and are held in public only in exceptional circumstances where it is in the public interest. The NACC can refer a brief to the CDPP, which can lead to criminal charges.
The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.
The ACIC operates under the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002 (Cth). Its examiners can conduct compulsory examinations. A person summoned to an examination must answer questions, even where the answer might be self-incriminating, subject to protections on how the answers can later be used. Failing or refusing to answer, or giving false evidence, is an offence. These are powers ordinary police interviews do not carry, and they change how a matter should be approached.
Why advice comes first.
A compulsory hearing is not a police interview, and the usual right to silence does not apply in the same way. What you can and cannot decline to answer, what protections attach to your answers, and how what you say might be used are technical questions that need advice before you attend, not after. Legal representation at a hearing, and preparation before it, matter a great deal. If you have received a NACC or ACIC notice or summons, the safe course is to get advice straight away.
Frequently asked.
What is the NACC?
The National Anti-Corruption Commission, established under the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022 (Cth). It investigates serious or systemic corruption involving Commonwealth public officials, with coercive powers including notices and compulsory hearings, and it can refer briefs to the CDPP.
Do I have to answer questions at a NACC or ACIC hearing?
At a compulsory hearing or examination the usual right to silence does not apply in the same way, and you can be required to answer, subject to protections on how your answers are later used. Because it is technical and important, get advice before you attend.
Can a NACC or ACIC investigation lead to criminal charges?
Yes. Both can refer briefs to the Commonwealth DPP, which can lead to prosecution. That is why early advice matters, even at the investigation stage.
Should I get a lawyer if I receive a notice or summons?
Yes, straight away. The powers involved are unusual, the protections are technical, and the right preparation before a hearing can make a real difference.
Received a NACC or ACIC notice or summons?
Before you produce anything or attend a hearing, get advice. The first conversation is confidential.
Request a confidential consult 0421 717 019