The Attorney-General’s Department confirmed the government’s plan to propose two key appointments to the governor-general for the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC): Robert McClelland as commissioner and Christopher Savundra as deputy commissioner. Both positions carry five-year terms, with potential commencement on 11 January 2027, as outlined in an official media statement.
McClelland is currently the deputy chief justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA), Divisions 1 and 2. William Alstergren, the FCFCOA’s chief judge, congratulated him on the announcement, stating that McClelland has made an outstanding contribution to the Court and to the administration of justice.
Australian attorney-general Michelle Rowland expressed confidence in McClelland and Savundra’s ability to contribute to the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s (NACC) important work to enhance integrity across the Commonwealth public sector. McClelland was appointed as an officer of the Order of Australia in 2022 and has served in various roles, including as a judge of the Family Court of Australia and as Commonwealth attorney-general from 2007-11.
Christopher Savundra has experience spanning law, regulation, and enforcement, and has most recently acted as executive director of enforcement and compliance at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). A panel composed of Katherine Jones PSM, Raymond Finkelstein AO KC, and Gina Cass-Gottlieb assessed the candidates for the NACC appointments.
The Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Anti-Corruption Commission unanimously approved the appointments under the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022. Kylie Kilgour, Jamie Lowe, and Penny Shakespeare will continue serving in their roles as acting national anti-corruption commissioner and acting deputy commissioners until the intended appointments take effect.
The federal government expressed gratitude to Kilgour, Lowe, and Shakespeare, and commended them for the leadership and stability they provided to the NACC. McClelland’s and Savundra’s appointments are expected to bring significant expertise to the Commission, with McClelland’s experience in the judiciary and Savundra’s experience in regulation and enforcement.
Michelle Rowland stated that the appointments of McClelland and Savundra demonstrate the government’s commitment to establishing a strong and effective National Anti-Corruption Commission.
