A powerful watchdog tasked with detecting and investigating corruption within the federal government promises to be fearless but fair.
The long-awaited National Anti-Corruption Commission begins operating on July 1 headed up by former NSW Court of Appeal judge Paul Brereton.
Known for his work investigating alleged war crimes by Australian troops in Afghanistan, Mr Brereton will serve as the inaugural anti-corruption commissioner for a five-year term.
"I want the commission to have the reputation of being fearless but fair," he said.
"The Australian people have expressed a clear desire for a federal anti-corruption body with jurisdiction over commonwealth officials.
"We know the public are invested in this work and are watching expectantly."
The commissioner will be backed up by deputies Nicole Rose, Ben Gauntlett, interim commission member Jaala Hinchcliffe and chief executive Philip Reed.
The team brings experience from across the legal sector, public service, law enforcement, human rights agencies and state anti-corruption bodies.
The commission is tasked with deterring, detecting and preventing serious or systemic corrupt conduct involving commonwealth officials including ministers, parliamentarians and their staff, public servants, government contractors and statutory office holders.
It operates independently from the government and has been given strong powers to complete its work, which includes retrospective matters.
Anyone can refer a matter to the commission, which will then decide whether or not to investigate.
Victorian independent MP Helen Haines led the charge towards establishing a national integrity agency and spent much of her first term in parliament pushing the Morrison government on the issue.
At the 2022 federal election several independents campaigned on a platform of integrity and won, turning previously blue-ribbon Liberal electorates teal.
Dr Haines told AAP the commission's opening was an important day in Australian political history and its impact would be felt for years to come.
"This day did not come by accident," she said.
"It is the result of hard work by many people over many years, members of parliament from across the political spectrum and civil society and I am proud to be one of them.
"This achievement belongs to everyone who demanded better from their politicians."
Dr Haines said recent revelations uncovered by state integrity bodies reinforced the need for a federal equivalent.
"The (commission) will strengthen our democracy and improve trust in government and I am pleased to see it begin operation," she said.
Labor also made establishing a national integrity agency a key election commitment while in opposition.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the commission's work would strengthen Australia's public institutions.
"The national anti-corruption commission begins its work acting as a powerful watchdog, delivering accountability and transparency that is rightly expected by the Australian public," he said.
