The Albanese Government intends to recommend to the Governor-General the appointments of the Honourable Deputy Chief Justice Robert McClelland AO as the National Anti-Corruption Commissioner and Mr Christopher Savundra as a National Anti-Corruption Deputy Commissioner.
Deputy Chief Justice McClelland and Mr Savundra were selected through an open, competitive and merit-based selection process consistent with the Australian Government Appointments Framework. They will bring a wealth of experience, sound judgment and strong leadership capability to their respective roles.
The Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Committee) has provided its approval for these appointments, as required by the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022. Both candidates received unanimous support from the Committee.
This followed candidates being assessed by an eminent panel, comprising:
- Ms Katherine Jones PSM, Secretary of the Attorney-General's Department (Chair),
- The Hon Raymond Finkelstein AO KC, retired Judge of the Federal Court of Australia, and
- Ms Gina Cass-Gottlieb, Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
The Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner are key leadership positions in the NACC, responsible for promoting public confidence in the agency, setting its strategic direction, and discharging its important mandate.
Deputy Chief Justice McClelland and Mr Savundra are proposed to be appointed for a term of five years, commencing on 11 January 2027.
The Government thanks acting National Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Ms Kylie Kilgour, and acting Deputy Commissioners, Ms Jamie Lowe and Ms Penny Shakespeare, who will continue to act in their respective positions until the commencement of the proposed appointments. They have provided leadership and stability to the NACC during this selection and appointment process.
Biographies
The Hon Deputy Chief Justice Robert McClelland AO
Deputy Chief Justice McClelland has had a distinguished legal and parliamentary career. He is currently Deputy Chief Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1 and 2). He was first appointed by former Attorney-General George Brandis as a judge of the then Family Court of Australia in June 2015 before being elevated to Deputy Chief Justice by former Attorney-General Christian Porter in 2018.
Prior to his judicial appointment, Deputy Chief Justice McClelland was the Federal Member for Barton from 1996 to 2013, and the Attorney‑General of Australia from 2007 to 2011.
Mr Christopher Savundra
Mr Savundra has significant legal, regulatory and enforcement experience, and is currently the Executive Director of Enforcement and Compliance at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Before this he held a range of senior positions at ASIC from 2010 to 2024, including as General Counsel and Senior Executive Leader.
Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
"I congratulate Deputy Chief Justice McClelland and Mr Savundra on their proposed appointments.
"Deputy Chief Justice McClelland and Mr Savundra's expertise will be an asset to the Commission, and I have confidence in their ability to contribute to its important work to enhance integrity across the Commonwealth public sector."
