After major missteps, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is falling well short of the gold standard for integrity bodies.

On this episode of Follow the Money, journalist and writer Nick Feik joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the NACC’s handling of its Robodebt investigation, its decision not to hold public hearings so far, and concerns about the legal experience required of some senior leaders.

This episode was recorded on Tuesday 5 May and some things may have changed.

The latest Vantage Point essay, Rich Kid Poor Kid: The Battle for Public Education by Jane Caro, is available now for $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.

Guest: Nick Feik, journalist and writer // @nickfeik

Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett

Show notes:

Built to fail? NACC: the integrity body undermined from the start by Nick Feik, Michelle Fahy & Elizabeth Minter, The Point (April 2026)

Resignation of Deputy Commissioner highlights need for transparent, merit-based NACC appointments, the Centre for Public Integrity (May 2026)

National Anti-Corruption Commission: Reforms Needed, the Australia Institute

Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

After major missteps, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is falling well short of the gold standard for integrity bodies.
On this episode of Follow the Money, journalist and writer Nick Feik joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the NACC&rsquo;s handling of its Robodebt investigation, its decision not to hold public hearings so far, and concerns about the legal experience required of some senior leaders.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 5 May and some things may have changed.
The latest Vantage Point essay, <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/rich-kid-poor-kid-vantage-point-issue-5">Rich Kid Poor Kid: The Battle for Public Education by Jane Caro</a>, is available now for $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.
Guest: Nick Feik, journalist and writer // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/nickfeik.bsky.social">@nickfeik</a>
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ebonybennett.bsky.social">@ebonybennett</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260425-built-to-fail-nacc-the-integrity-body-undermined-from-within">Built to fail? NACC: the integrity body undermined from the start</a> by Nick Feik, Michelle Fahy &amp; Elizabeth Minter, The Point (April 2026)
<a href="https://publicintegrity.org.au/media-release-resignation-of-deputy-commissioner-highlights-need-for-transparent-merit-based-nacc-appointments/">Resignation of Deputy Commissioner highlights need for transparent, merit-based NACC appointments</a>, the Centre for Public Integrity (May 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/initiative/a-national-integrity-commission-with-teeth/reforms-needed/">National Anti-Corruption Commission: Reforms Needed</a>, the Australia Institute
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We&rsquo;d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to <a href="mailto:podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au">podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au</a>. Subscribe to Follow the Money on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/follow-the-money/id1078781512">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0JOrvYNuhHOwaFuZ7PlW1d?si=e9265dc6a04d40b3">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/follow-the-money/2aeecbb0-b36a-0133-2e57-6dc413d6d41d">Pocket Casts</a>&nbsp;or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

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Economics and politics explained in plain English

Follow The Money

Economics, politics and policy explained in plain English.

Economics, politics and policy explained in plain English.

After major missteps, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is falling well short of the gold standard for integrity bodies.