ABSTRACT
This chapter is concerned with two institutions that are somewhat unique in Westminster systems of government: the Criminal Justice Commission in Queensland and the Independent Commission against Corruption in New South Wales. External oversight bodies were established in the late 1980s in response to a perception that high-level corruption existed in the states' political institutions, Traditional investigatory bodies such as specialized police units were considered inappropriate and ineffective to combat such behaviour. The chapter suggests that these bodies can have a significant impact, even though there are several strategies that governments can employ to undermine these politically sensitive organizations. The relationship between the inaugural Chair of the criminal justice commission (CJC), Sir Max Bingham, appointed by a government in its death throes, and the newly elected Labor government was constantly strained. The CJC's responsibility was primarily focused on police misconduct, but because the inquiry's evidence led to four ministers being found guilty of misusing ministerial expenses.
