The Hon. Megan Latham

NSW Premier Mike Baird today noted the resignation of the Hon. Megan Latham as ICAC Commissioner.

“I would like to thank Megan Latham for her service to the community, which will now continue on the Supreme Court of NSW,” Mr Baird said.

“We respect her decision not to apply for one of the three new Commissioner positions.

“I have asked Assistant Commissioner the Hon. Reg Blanch AM QC to serve as Acting Commissioner, until the ICAC is restructured under three commissioners during 2017, and he has agreed.”

Mr Blanch was NSW’s first Director of Public Prosecutions, from 1987 until 1994. In 1994, he was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of NSW, before being appointed Chief Judge of the District Court from 1994 until his retirement from that position in 2014.

The Government is establishing a panel to conduct an extensive, merit based search to secure three world-class individuals for the State’s anti-corruption watchdog.

The panel will provide a shortlist of candidates for Cabinet consideration. Cabinet approved appointments remain subject to veto by the Parliamentary Committee on the ICAC, before being made by the Governor. The Chief Commissioner will be consulted in relation to the appointment of the other Commissioners.

“Nothing in the legislation passed by Parliament last week prevents current investigations, including Operation Credo, from continuing under the new Commission and being completed,” Mr Baird said.

“I believe the changes approved last week by Parliament will significantly strengthen the ICAC, and reinforce that, under the Liberals & Nationals Government, there is zero tolerance for corruption in NSW.”