The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has decided to investigate six officials linked to the illegal Robodebt scheme, reversing its previous decision not to pursue the matter.

This decision to proceed with the investigation was made on February 10, 2025, after an independent review led by former High Court judge Geoffrey Nettle.

Nettle's review was prompted by a significant conflict of interest involving NACC chief Paul Brereton, who will not participate in the new investigation.

Brereton was found guilty of officer misconduct in October 2024 for failing to declare this conflict during earlier deliberations.

The review revealed that Brereton had a personal connection to one of the individuals referred, leading him to delegate decision-making to a deputy commissioner.

To ensure impartiality, the NACC will exclude Brereton and other deputy commissioners involved in the initial decision from the new inquiry.

The six individuals under investigation were referred by royal commissioner Catherine Holmes, who initially faced public outcry when the NACC declined to investigate them in 2024.

The Robodebt scheme, initiated by the previous Coalition government, wrongfully demanded repayments from over 526,000 individuals, as reported by Holmes.

The investigation will focus on determining whether these six individuals, including five public servants and one public official, engaged in corrupt conduct related to the unlawful welfare repayment scheme.

This situation has sparked broader discussions about the effectiveness of the NACC, which has been operational for less than 18 months.

Brereton acknowledged his mistakes, emphasizing the importance of accountability in the investigation process.

The NACC's decision to revisit the investigation reflects its commitment to addressing public concerns and ensuring justice in the wake of the Robodebt scandal.