# ‘A serious mess’: The crisis inside the corruption watchdog

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/7am-529740/a-serious-mess-the-crisis-inside-the-corruption-watchdog
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/7am-529740/a-serious-mess-the-crisis-inside-the-corruption-watchdog.md
Podcast: [7am](https://stenobird.com/podcast/7am-529740)
Published: 2026-05-28T19:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://omny.fm/shows/7am/a-serious-mess-the-crisis-inside-the-corruption-watchdog
Audio file: https://p.podderapp.com/2544644999/traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/62723a1f-3e96-4fc4-882c-b25e0181da4d/9b7cdc4c-7031-4690-9d39-b4570064a9c4/audio.mp3?utm_source=Podcast&in_playlist=70f29d90-2a63-48aa-bf8f-b25e0181da70
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Duration seconds: 1036

## Resource

Paul Brereton – the outgoing head of Australia’s National Anti-Corruption Commission – was grilled at Senate estimates this week. Brereton’s time leading the body charged with investigating serious corruption in the Commonwealth public sector has ended in a crisis of confidence – over Robodebt, his ongoing Defence links, and whether the watchdog properly managed conflicts of interest. Brereton says he has become a distraction from the commission’s work. But his resignation raises the question: do the NACC’s problems end with him? Today, independent journalist Nick Feik, on how Australia’s anti-corruption watchdog ended up in crisis – and whether it can recover.   If you enjoy 7am , the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support .   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Independent journalist Nick Feik Photo:  AAP Image/Dominic Giannini See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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## Transcript

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