AU Government: Robert McClelland NACC Commissioner Appointment Announced

• The federal government intends to appoint Robert McClelland as National Anti-Corruption Commissioner and Christopher Savundra as Deputy Commissioner.
• Their proposed five-year terms are set to commence on January 11, 2027.
• McClelland currently serves as Deputy Chief Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court, while Savundra is currently Executive Director of Enforcement and Compliance at ASIC.
• The appointments received unanimous approval from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Anti-Corruption Commission under the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022.
• These selections aim to enhance integrity across the Commonwealth public sector, building on the appointees' extensive judicial, political, and regulatory enforcement backgrounds.

The combined judicial, political, and regulatory enforcement experience of Robert McClelland and Christopher Savundra signals a future direction for the NACC focused on robust integrity measures and diligent oversight within the Commonwealth public sector.

The federal government has announced its intention to recommend significant leadership appointments for the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Robert McClelland is slated to become the National Anti-Corruption Commissioner, with Christopher Savundra proposed as a National Anti-Corruption Deputy Commissioner. These key National Anti-Corruption Commission appointments are projected to begin on January 11, 2027, each for a five-year term.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland expressed confidence in the selections, noting that the expertise of both McClelland and Savundra will be invaluable to the Commission's mission of bolstering integrity across the Commonwealth public sector. William Alstergren, Chief Judge of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA), also extended congratulations to McClelland, praising his substantial contributions to the court and the administration of justice, citing his exceptional experience, sound judgment, and deep commitment to public service.

Robert McClelland brings a distinguished career in both the judiciary and federal politics to his impending role as NACC Commissioner. Currently, he serves as the FCFCOA Deputy Chief Justice McClelland, overseeing both Divisions 1 and 2 of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. His judicial career includes appointments as Deputy Chief Judge (family law) of Division 2 of the FCFCOA in September 2021, Deputy Chief Justice of the FCFCOA in December 2018, and a Judge of the Family Court of Australia in June 2015.

Prior to his judicial service, McClelland had a prominent political career, representing the federal electorate of Barton from 1996 to 2013. During this period, he held significant ministerial positions, including Commonwealth Attorney-General from 2007 to 2011 and Vice President of the Executive Council from 2010 to 2012. His legal foundation was established through his admission as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1982, following the completion of his LLM from the University of Sydney and his BA and LLB from the University of New South Wales. In recognition of his service, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2022.

Christopher Savundra, designated as the National Anti-Corruption Deputy Commissioner, offers a robust background in law, regulation, and enforcement. Christopher Savundra is currently the Executive Director of Enforcement and Compliance at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), a role he commenced in October 2024. He has held various senior leadership capacities at ASIC since 2010 and continues to serve there.

These senior roles at ASIC included General Counsel and Senior Executive Leader, where he gained considerable experience in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and spearheading enforcement actions. His comprehensive understanding of regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms is expected to be a significant asset to the NACC's operational capabilities.

The selection of Robert McClelland and Christopher Savundra adhered to the Australian government's established appointments framework. A dedicated panel conducted assessments of the candidates, leading to their unanimous approval by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Anti-Corruption Commission, a process mandated by the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022. This rigorous process underscores the government's commitment to ensuring qualified leadership for the anti-corruption body.

Until these appointments officially commence in 2027, Kylie Kilgour will continue to serve as the acting National Anti-Corruption Commissioner, supported by Jamie Lowe and Penny Shakespeare as acting Deputy Commissioners. The federal government has expressed its gratitude to these individuals for their leadership and for providing stability to the NACC during this transitional period. The combined judicial, political, and regulatory enforcement experience of Robert McClelland and Christopher Savundra signals a future direction for the NACC focused on robust integrity measures and diligent oversight within the Commonwealth public sector. This leadership transition follows the resignation of Paul Brereton as NACC Commissioner, effective July 6, 2026, and builds on the 2023 changes to the public sector whistleblower scheme, which coincided with the NACC's inauguration.

Lawyers and compliance officers should note the impending leadership change at the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), particularly the appointment of Robert McClelland and Christopher Savundra. Their extensive backgrounds in judicial, prosecutorial, and regulatory enforcement roles (FCFCOA, ASIC) suggest a strong focus on integrity and robust enforcement, which may influence future NACC investigations and compliance expectations across the Commonwealth public sector. Practitioners should monitor the NACC's strategic direction and enforcement priorities once these appointments take effect in 2027.

Source: Original reporting via government and court media releases.