South Australia’s new ICAC appointed
The state government has revealed Ann Vanstone’s successor as Independent Commissioner Against Corruption.
Office for Public Integrity (OPI) director Emma Townsend was today revealed as the state’s next ICAC, with her appointment signed off by the Executive Council this morning after approval from parliament’s Statutory Officers Committee earlier this week.
Townsend has led the OPI since January 2022 and is a former prosecutor in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, where she worked for 18 years.
Her appointment, effective in February, makes her South Australia’s third ICAC and the first who is not a former judge.
She succeeds Ann Vanstone KC – who resigned in frustration in September over law changes that passed in 2021 limiting ICAC’s powers – and inaugural ICAC Bruce Lander KC.
The state government said it will introduce legislation next year to ensure Townsend and all future ICACs are entitled to a judicial pension, which amounts to 60 per cent of his or her salary.
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“Ms Townsend’s predecessors were entitled to a judicial pension by virtue of being former judges,” the government said in a statement today.
“The Government believes this is an important integrity measure that should apply to the new Commissioner and future Commissioners.”
Townsend replaces acting commissioner Ben Broyd, who has held the role since Vanstone’s September resignation.
Meanwhile, assistant OPI director Vanessa Burrows has been appointed acting OPI director while the state government recruits a replacement for Townsend.
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The OPI is responsible for receiving complaints about corruption, misconduct and maladministration and referring them to the ICAC or other integrity agencies.
The controversial 2021 law changes moved the OPI out of the ICAC’s jurisdiction, meaning the corruption watchdog could only investigate corruption matters upon referral from the OPI.
According to the government, Townsend’s work as a prosecutor included establishing the DPP’s Vulnerable Witness Team which manages the prosecution of child sex abuse cases.
Attorney-General Kyam Maher wished her well in the new role.
“South Australia’s ICAC will be well served by Emma Townsend’s extensive experience as a prosecutor and as the head of the Office for Public Integrity,” he said in a statement.
“She has discharged the functions of the office with independence and great skill, and ensured smooth management of the way our integrity bodies deal with complaints.
“She has significant experience in complex investigations and strong understanding on the way our anti-corruption laws are enforced.”
