The Corruption and Crime Commissioner is responsible to Parliament for the performance of the functions of the Commission, in respect of which he is not subject to political interference. The Commissioner is ultimately responsible for all the activities and operations undertaken on his behalf by Commission officers. The Commissioner holds office on a full-time basis for an initial period of five years. The Chief Executive is the administrative head and is responsible for the performance and administration of the Commission and other public sector related obligations.
Commissioner, Hon John McKechnie KC
Mr John Roderick McKechnie, KC, was appointed Commissioner in April 2015 and reappointed for a further term of five years in June 2021. He retired from the Supreme Court of Western Australia to take up the appointment after 16 years, the last three as Senior Judge General Division. He was the first Director of Public Prosecutions for Western Australia. He has taught trial advocacy for 30 years and presently is the course leader at Murdoch University. He has been involved in teaching at the National Judicial College of Australia for 10 years. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law.
Acting Commissioner, David Scott Ellis
Scott was initially appointed on 10 July 2019 and has been re-appointed twice since then. As Acting Commissioner, he performs the function of Commissioner if the incumbent is unable to perform the functions of the Commission or if there is a vacancy in the office.
Scott also practices as arbitrator, mediator and barrister from Francis Burt Chambers, Perth in the area of commercial dispute resolution including construction and infrastructure and mining and energy disputes. He was formerly a partner of Freehills.
The Commission has a Corporate Executive leadership team comprised of the Chief Executive and four Directors.
Chief Executive, Emma Johnson, appointed in 2016
Emma made a return to the Commission as Chief Executive on Tuesday 9 May 2023, after having served as a member of its Senior Executive responsible for strategy and assessment from 2016 to 2018.
Emma further developed her leadership capabilities in integrity agencies during 2018-2023, including the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority, and Sport Integrity Australia where she was Deputy CEO. Ms Johnson was most recently an Assistant Commissioner at Australian Border Force.
Director Assessment and Strategy Development, Tracey Polmear, appointed in 2022
Tracey has been promoted to Director of Assessment and Strategy Development after years of working in senior roles at the Commission. Tracey has over 18 years' experience interpreting and applying multiple and complex legislation, and joins us after a career at the WA Police Force.
Director Corporate Service, Daniel Di-Giuseppe, appointed in 2022
Daniel joins the Commission with over 30 years experience in law enforcement, policy and legislation, risk management, governance, information management, corporate services and change management.
Director Legal Services, Kirsten Nelson, appointed in 2022
Kirsten Nelson commenced in the role of Director Legal Services in May 2022 bringing over 8 years of direct experience as Counsel assisting at the Commission and 20 years of experience in public sector legal roles in the Western Australian and New South Wales public sectors.
Director Operations, David Robinson, appointed 2016 (currently on secondment within the WA public sector)
With over 25 years' experience in the Western Australian Public Sector, including at the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, the Ombudsman's office and the Commission, David has developed a deep interest in ethics and accountability mechanisms. He has a BA in History and Politics and a MA in Public Policy.