12/7/04
Prominent lawyer Moira Rayner was today sworn in as an Acting Commissioner of the Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC).
Ms Rayner, a practising barrister in Western Australia, is currently Acting Director of Professional Standards for the Anglican Diocese in Melbourne and has previously held the offices of Commissioner/Chairman of the WA Law Reform Commission, Commissioner for Equal Opportunity in Victoria and Hearings Commissioner of the Commonwealth Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.
In 2000, Ms Rayner was appointed as the first Director of the Office of Children's Rights Commissioner for London. She was also Acting Commissioner for Equal Opportunity in Western Australia in 2002 and a member of the Anti-Corruption Commission in its final 18 months of operation.
Justice Minister Michelle Roberts welcomed Ms Rayner's appointment as an acting commissioner for the CCC.
"The Corruption and Crime Commission is the toughest anti-corruption body in the nation and someone of Moira Rayner's capabilities will certainly add to the authority of the agency," Mrs Roberts said.
Ms Rayner will act as commissioner when Commissioner Kevin Hammond is on annual leave, sick leave or has a conflict of interest. Her appointment is for two years.
Mrs Roberts said the CCC had been given substantial powers and resources to investigate alleged corruption by police and public officers, as well as overseeing the police service's use of coercive powers to investigate organised crime.
The CCC has all the powers of a Royal Commission including the ability to:
- hold public hearings;
- compel witnesses to give evidence;
- conduct integrity tests and controlled operations; and
- use assumed identities.
Hefty penalties also apply for anyone attempting to hinder the work of the CCC - such as giving false testimony, bribing of witnesses, destroying evidence and victimisation of people assisting the commission.
Offences carry penalties of up to five years' imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000.
Minister's office: 9213 6600
