This was published 8 years ago
Brisbane council election: Crime and Corruption Commission criticises publicity
By Cameron Atfield
The Crime and Corruption Commission has criticised those who chose to make a referral to the corruption watchdog public, just two and a half weeks out from the Brisbane City Council election.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk faced questions on Wednesday over a $3.3 million council land deal with a Liberal National Party donor Tan Boon Seng, which Fairfax Media revealed had been referred to the CCC.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has been forced to defend his council's decision to sell a $3.3m parcel of land to an LNP donor. Credit: Glenn Hunt
In a written statement, a CCC spokesman confirmed it was "assessing information relating to the BCC" but had some veiled criticism for those who made it public.
"The CCC takes this opportunity to remind the public, as it did at the commencement of the local government election period, that it is preferable that complaints are best made to the CCC confidentially," he said.
Just last month, CCC chairman Allan MacSporran said the CCC had been abused by election candidates in the past, through spurious referrals.
"Regrettably, our experience has shown that during election campaigns, some candidates have been known to make allegations to the CCC in the hope of gaining some advantage over rival candidates," Mr MacSporran said in February.
"Our data indicates that in the weeks prior to and during the 2008 and 2012 local government elections, there was a rise in the number of complaints we received about the local government sector when compared to the yearly average."
The CCC spokesman said it was "important to note" its assessment of the BCC land deal was not an investigation.
"When the CCC receives information or a complaint it first conducts an assessment to determine whether the matter falls within the CCC's jurisdiction, whether an investigation is warranted, and, if so, which agency should be responsible," he said.
"In the interest of fairness and impartiality, the CCC notes that any allegation should be treated as unsubstantiated until a final outcome is reached.
"The CCC will assess this matter in accordance with its standard processes. It is not appropriate for the CCC to comment further while the assessment process remains ongoing."
For independent news coverage, be sure to follow our Facebook feed.