John McKechnie: WA’s long-serving anti-corruption chief to retire at the end of the month

John McKechnie — WA’s long-serving anti-corruption chief — will retire at the end of this month. The former judge, 74, has served as the State’s Corruption and Crime Commissioner since 2015, and was responsible for uncovering some Australia’s biggest scandals, including the Paul Whyte saga. WA’s first director of public prosecutions, Mr McKechnie went on to spend 16 years on the bench of the State’s Supreme Court before his appointment as the corruption watchdog chief. Mr McKechnie described his time as Commissioner as “particularly interesting”. “As a born and raised Western Australian, it has been a great privilege to have been given the opportunity to serve my State over nearly 50 years,” he said “The success of the Commission is in its team and each member of that team contributes directly to the good governance of the State by maintaining a public sector and a police force of integrity or playing a part in the disruption of crime that challenges the fabric of our community.” Attorney General Tony Buti will announce Mr McKechnie’s retirement on Tuesday, as well as the recruitment process to replace him. “As head of the Corruption and Crime Commission, Mr McKechnie has exposed some of the biggest corruption cases in Australia’s history,” Dr Buti said. “His work has been undertaken without fear or favour and in the best interests of Western Australians. “I thank him for his service to our State and wish him well in retirement.” Under his leadership, the Commission uncovered several high-profile public servants accused of corruption, including former Housing Authority boss Paul Whyte, who plead guilty to stealing more than $27 million from the Department of Communities. Mr McKechnie also lead investigations into MPs misusing electoral allowances, five contractors given deals with the North Metropolitan Health Service in exchange for kickbacks for public servants and more recently, the overseas travel of former Ombudsman Chris Field. His reappointment to the role in 2020 became mired in political controversy when former Premier Mark McGowan’s nomination, which needed the concurrence of a bipartisan parliamentary committee, was rejected. Under his leadership the Commission also drew criticism from the parliamentary inspector Matthew Zilko, who found it had falsely implied former Japanese Trade commissioner Craig Peacock had committed tax evasion. Deputy commissioner Michael Corboy — who was appointed to the newly-created position last year — will act as the Commissioner until Mr McKechnie’s successor is appointed.