ICAC open days give a rare glimpse of how graft-busters work
It has the power to bring down the city's most influential people, and normally venturing beyond the reception areas would mean you were in serious trouble. But this month the Independent Commission Against Corruption is allowing members of the public a glimpse of its inner workings.
It has the power to bring down the city's most influential people, and normally venturing beyond the reception areas would mean you were in serious trouble. But this month the Independent Commission Against Corruption is allowing members of the public a glimpse of its inner workings.
Patricia Lui, acting regional ICAC officer, said there had been an "overwhelming" response to the ballot for tickets in December, with more than 5,300 quickly snapped up for the 90-minute tour.
The 20-storey, glass-fronted building on Java Road is a commanding enough sight but the true power of the watchdog really hits home once visitors enter the high-security HQ.
Visitors will get to see the interview rooms where high- profile suspects have fielded questions from officers investigating allegations of wrongdoing.
They will also be able to handle the firearms carried by about 100 or so specially trained ICAC officers when heading out to arrest particularly violent suspects. In 40 years, no ICAC officer has had to fire a single shot.