South Australian Attorney-General John Roe has announced the appointment of James Hartnett to steer the establishment of the state’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

 

Mr Rau said the appointment of Mr Hartnett was a crucial first step in the establishment of the commission.

 

“James Hartnett is a highly capable individual with extensive experience in delivering technically complex and sensitive services to government,” Mr Rau said.

 

His previous roles include Director of South Australia’s Legal Services Commission, Chief Executive Officer of the County Court of Victoria and the Victorian Public Transport Ombudsman. Most recently he was the General Manager of Plenary Conventions, overseeing the $1.4 billion Melbourne Convention Centre Development Project.

 

Mr Rau said Mr Hartnett, who has taken up the role this week, will lead the establishment of the ICAC and OPI, both of which were announced last year with a budget of $32 million over five years.

 

Mr Rau said the Independent Commissioner could only be appointed after the ICAC Bill had passed through Parliament. The Bill is likely to be introduced within the next month.

 

“Drafting of the ICAC Bill is nearing completion and is the result of extensive consultation which dates back to 2010 when a discussion paper was publicly circulated,” Mr Rau said.