Australia to Appoint New Anti-Corruption Commission Leaders
The federal government has named Robert McClelland and Christopher Savundra to lead the national integrity agency.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in People
Live Poll
Should government agencies be led by political appointees rather than career legal professionals?
Robert McClelland and Christopher Savundra have been recommended as the new National Anti-Corruption Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner respectively. Their appointments follow the resignation of Paul Brereton, who stepped down in July 2026.
Why it matters
The appointments seek to restore leadership stability at the commission following the departure of the prior Commissioner amid inquiries into misconduct. The selections received unanimous support from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
The incoming appointees are set to serve five-year terms starting on 11 January 2027. This follows the resignation of the previous commissioner on 6 July 2026.
The players
Robert McClelland
He is the Deputy Chief Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Christopher Savundra
He serves as the executive director of enforcement and compliance at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
Paul Brereton
He is the former National Anti-Corruption Commissioner who resigned following misconduct inquiries.
The details
Candidates were selected under the Australian Government Appointments Framework by an assessment panel including Katherine Jones, Raymond Finkelstein, and Gina Cass-Gottlieb. Robert McClelland currently serves as Deputy Chief Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, while Christopher Savundra is an executive director at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
Timeline
Paul Brereton tendered his resignation on 25 May 2026.
Paul Brereton officially stepped down on 6 July 2026.
The new terms are scheduled to commence on 11 January 2027.
Market Landscape
These appointments follow the procedural rigour defined by the Australian Government Appointments Framework to ensure integrity in public office. This move shifts the commission towards a new leadership era following significant internal inquiries that impacted the agency's stability.
These leadership changes impact the public by establishing new oversight for the national anti-corruption agency. Citizens can expect the new commissioners to lead the organisation through a period of transition starting in early 2027.
The takeaway
The government is moving to formalise leadership at the commission to ensure oversight operations continue effectively. Appointees are expected to prioritise restoring public trust in the integrity of the national anti-corruption programme.
What happens next
Robert McClelland and Christopher Savundra will begin their five-year terms as Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner on 11 January 2027.
Further reading
For more information on leadership appointments across the country, visit Australia People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PS News.
Live Poll
Should government agencies be led by political appointees rather than career legal professionals?
