NCJ Number
143650
Journal
Police Studies Volume: 15 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1992) Pages: 191-201
Date Published
1992
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article describes the work of New South Wales' Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), which was established in March 1989 to combat corruption in the public sector of New South Wales.
Abstract
The ICAC is independent of the government, and the commissioner is appointed by the Governor of New South Wales for a maximum 5-year term. The ICAC sets its own agenda but is accountable for its decisions to two statutory bodies: an Operations Review Committee that reviews any decision not to investigate a complaint, and a Parliamentary Joint Committee that reviews the ICAC's functions. Three major strategies to combat corruption are described in the ICAC Act: investigation, corruption prevention, and public education. Only two of these deal directly with the investigation of corrupt conduct. All others involve the ICAC in review, advice, education, cooperation, and communication with public-sector bodies and the public. Each of the three major functions emphasizes public awareness, which pertains to the community's understanding of what constitutes corruption, how it is manifested, what is being done about it, and how individuals can help. The long-term goal is to change public attitudes, such that apathy is reduced and public involvement in the fight against corruption is enlisted. Appended legislation pertinent to the ICAC and summaries of 12 ICAC investigative reports