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Peter Hall QC to take top post in ICAC shake-up
The NSW government has named a former Supreme Court judge to lead the state’s revamped anti-corruption watchdog.
Melissa Coade
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has confirmed that Peter Hall QC will be appointed chief commissioner for the state’s transformed anti-corruption watchdog.
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The former judge stepped down from the NSW Supreme Court bench in 2016 after more than a decade serving as a judicial officer.
“NSW needs a strong ICAC, and this nomination reflects the government’s commitment to the highest levels of integrity in the public sector,” Ms Berejiklian said.
When government proposals to reform the Independent Commission of Corruption were floated last year, Justice Hall was a vocal critic.
Parliament passed legislation amending the ICAC Act in November, saying that the changes promised a “fairer corruption fighter, with strong powers to investigate, expose and prevent corruption”.
The ICAC shake-up will see the one-commissioner structure replaced with the appointment of three commissioners.
The new structure dictates that two out of three commissioners must agree for a public inquiry to proceed. Serving as ICAC chief commissioner, Justice Hall’s agreement is also required.
The government said that proposed appointments for the other commissioners will follow. The reconstituted commission would commence its operations as soon as all key appointments were approved, the premier said.
Appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1992, the former judge has experience in a number of royal and special commissions.
Justice Hall also authored the book Investigating Corruption and Misconduct in Public Office: Commissions of Inquiry - Powers and Procedures.
“Mr Hall brings world-class expertise and experience to this critical role,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Acting ICAC commissioner Reg Blanch AM QC will step aside when 72-year-old Peter Hall steps into the inaugural chief commissioner role.
Ms Berejiklian also thanked the acting commissioner for his “outstanding leadership”.
Mr Blanch took on the position after the resignation of former commissioner and judge Megan Latham in November. Her departure coincided with the legislative changes to the anti-corruption watchdog, which also drew the ire of the former commissioner.
Justice Latham had described the reforms as an unprecedented attack and weakening of the independence of the commission.
In an interview with the ABC about the ICAC reform last year she said: "I don't accept for one moment it makes a stronger ICAC. I think it will be much weaker and will make it much more difficult to operate.
"There will be an inability for it to make quick, strong decisions and there's simply no need for it, the ICAC has never been stronger."
