The Commission can start an investigation after receiving a corruption report when it suspects, on reasonable grounds, that the alleged conduct may constitute corrupt conduct. After completing an investigation, the Commission must prepare an investigation report.
The Commission can discontinue an investigation at any stage if it is satisfied, on reasonable grounds, that the matter being examined does not justify further investigation. When investigations are discontinued, the Commission is not required to produce an investigation report.
The Commission must discontinue an investigation if any of the factors outlined in section 71 of the Integrity Commission Act 2018 are met. This includes circumstances where the evidence collected to date shows that no corrupt conduct occurred and, after considering all the circumstances, it is not justified to continue with the investigation. It can also include where the conduct may be better addressed by another entity (for example, the Public Sector Standards Commissioner).
The decision point
The decision to discontinue an investigation can occur at any time during the investigation, but before it is completed. Due to the dynamic nature of corruption investigations, sometimes this means that significant investigative effort has occurred. In other matters, discontinuing an investigation will occur at a relatively early point in the process.
Who is advised of the decision
The person who made the corruption report to the Commission will be advised of the decision to discontinue the investigation. Other parties who have been involved in the investigative process, such as individuals who have been required to answer questions under oath, may also be advised of the outcome.
How we capture and share observations
Despite the Commission deciding to discontinue an investigation, important insights may have emerged from the investigative process. These insights could include identifying strengths or weaknesses in an entity’s processes, practices or policies that, if left unaddressed, create an ongoing risk for that entity.
In such circumstances, the Commission will liaise with the relevant entity to share these observations and insights. The Commission will also use these insights to develop educational material for stakeholders to address corruption risks, and strengthen the entity’s governance framework.
The Commission’s discontinued investigations
As of 30 June 2026, the Commission has discontinued 8 matters, as the Commissioner decided further dealing with the matter was not justified.
- Operation Agni, an investigation into an allegation that ACT Government officials failed to comply with ACT procurements legislation, policies and general guidelines during the procurement of hybrid electric fire trucks.
The allegations were also examined by the ACT Public Service Professional Standards Unit and the ACT Auditor-General’s Office. No findings of corrupt conduct came from this investigation. - Operation Mercury, an investigation into the misuse of information by staff at the Dhulwa Mental Health Facility and related matters. No findings of corrupt conduct came from this investigation, as the Commission considered that the conduct had already been adequately addressed by the relevant directorate and other regulators.
- Operation Butcherbird, an investigation into allegations regarding the possible misuse of ACT Government funds by an ACT public official. No findings of corrupt conduct came from this investigation.
- Operation Riflebird, an investigation into allegations that ACT Government staff were directed, by their Branch Manager, to dispose of sensitive documents. No findings of corrupt conduct came from this investigation.
- Operation Lyrebird, an investigation into identified transactions as part of the City to the Lake Project – a major urban planning initiative to develop areas in and around the city and the lake. A special report was presented to the Legislative Assembly on 5 February 2024 detailing the investigation and the Commission’s findings. No findings of corrupt conduct came from this investigation.
- Operation Nemesis, an investigation into alleged financial crimes by two public officials. No findings of corrupt conduct came from this investigation.
- Operation Magpie, an investigation into alleged drug trafficking and abuse of public office by corrections officers. No findings of corrupt conduct came from this investigation.
- Operation Raven, an investigation into land transactions between a public and private entity. No findings of corrupt conduct came from this investigation.