Independent Review of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and associated Commonwealth law enforcement arrangements

Background to the Independent Review

In 2023 the Government commissioned a ‘first principles’ Independent Review of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and associated Commonwealth law enforcement arrangements.

The Independent Review assessed the operations and effectiveness of the ACIC as Australia’s national criminal intelligence agency within the context of Commonwealth law enforcement and intelligence more broadly.

Mr Stephen Merchant PSM and Mr Greg Wilson were appointed by the Government to undertake the Independent Review.

Report and Government Response

On 14 November 2024, the Attorney-General published the unclassified report and Government Response.

The Government has considered the 29 recommendations and has agreed or agreed in-principle with 27 of the Independent Review’s recommendations. 

The recommendations set out the blueprint for comprehensive reform to the ACIC to provide the strongest foundation for its critical national intelligence role.