The NSW Government is to set up a team of senior lawyers within the Office of the Director of Prosecutions with the goal of prosecuting public officials for corruption.
The new Public Sector Prosecution Unit (PSPU) will be funded with $2.7 million from the 2019-20 Budget.
The new unit was welcomed by both Treasurer, Dominic Perrottet and Attorney General, Mark Speakman who said it would complement the work of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
Mr Speakman said that anyone who used their privileged position to line their pockets at the expense of taxpayers must be held accountable.
Mr Perrottet said the PSPU would comprise a well-resourced team of experienced lawyers who would also make applications to confiscate, freeze and seize the assets of public officials, including politicians, who broke the law.
“Funding for this new unit will provide the resources needed to address these serious crimes committed against the people of NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.
He said the new unit would prosecute matters arising from ICAC’s Operations Jasper and Acacia as well as handling any new referrals from ICAC.
In a further development, the Government has allocated $3.3 million for a new residential facility for children traumatised by the killing of a loved one, helping them to recover.
