Annastacia Palaszczuk tries to sidestep questions on integrity saga

Annastacia Palaszczuk has tried to avoid questions about the integrity crisis engulfing her government during a media conference in regional Queensland, entering into an awkward back and forth with a journalist. WATCH THE EXCHANGE

Annastacia Palaszczuk has tried to sidestep questions about her government’s integrity saga, as she entered into a back and forth exchange with a journalist in Bundaberg.

After yesterday conceding that “some things could’ve been done better”, the Premier today wouldn’t elaborate further on what actually could have been done better.

“I went through that yesterday in some detail,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“I went through that yesterday.

“Let me say very clearly that a letter has been sent out by my director-general to all public servants encouraging them if they have any issues or any complaints where they can raise those concerns.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk responds to questions during a media conference in Bundaberg.

“I’ve always accepted that we can always do more and that’s exactly what we will do.”

In an exchange with a journalist who was asking about calls for an independent inquiry into integrity, Ms Palaszczuk repeatedly asked her to explain what issues she was talking about.

“What, what, what issues are you talking about,” Ms Palaszczuk asked.

“You tell me, I’m happy to, you tell me which issues you want to raise? But which particular issues,” she continued as she interrupted the journalist’s questions.

The journalist then asked: “What would be the harm in a full, independent inquiry?”

“Give me an example of the issue,” Ms Palaszczuk responded as the to-and-fro continued.

“I’m happy to answer the question if you give me the example.”

“I’m talking about your government’s integrity … (in relation to) the many issues that have been brought up over the past week,” the journalist replied.

Ms Palaszczuk asked: “Such as?”

The journalists then replied: “There are many issues. I don’t think I need to explain them to you.”

Ms Palaszczuk said the government had robust checks and balances and they would continue to be upheld.

The Premier was also asked to address reports in The Courier-Mail today about the Auditor-General’s push in the past year for law changes to be made to bolster the independence of his office – as recommended by a 2017 strategic review.

“I’ve read those reports today,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Let me be very clear that the strategic review happened in 2017.

“It was considered by the bipartisan committee of the parliament in 2017 and there was no dissenting report made.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk during the press conference at Paradise Dam near Bundaberg.

Meanwhile, Ms Palaszczuk said it was a matter for the Queen’s Counsel to determine if Mike Summerell should be interviewed as part of the review into the claims made by the former state archivist.

This is despite the terms of reference for the review suggesting only “documentary evidence” will be gathered as part of the probe.

“He’s happy to forward all of his information to that Queen’s Counsel when the Queen’s Counsel is appointed,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

This afternoon, Mr Summerall said the review won’t address what he has described as a culture problem within government.

In his latest statement, Mr Summerell welcomed Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s announcement that the review would be done at arm’s length from government by a Queen’s Counsel.

But Mr Summerell insisted the move was simply a step in the right direction, and said the government wasn’t addressing the “real problem”.

He suggested that while the claims he had made were disturbing, what was more disturbing was “the culture that allowed this to happen and why it exists”.

“That is the issue here not the events themselves,” Mr Summerell wrote.

“That will not be addressed by the actions announced by the Premier yesterday.

“A wider Inquiry is required. I don’t believe that my experiences are unique or indeed will be the most significant.”

He said a wider inquiry should include a review of the legislative framework that supports integrity within government – saying the laws needed to be looked at “holistically”.

“The actions the Premier announced yesterday and are a genuine step in the right direction,” Mr Summerell wrote.

“I genuinely applaud her for taking them, but don’t believe for one second think they are addressing the real problem. It is simply a step in the right direction.”

Ms Palaszczuk today said it was a matter for the Queen’s Counsel to determine if Mr Summerell should be interviewed as part of the review into the former state archivist’s claims.

The terms of reference for the review suggesting only “documentary evidence” will be gathered as part of the probe.

In the statement he released today, Mr Summerell included extracts of emails he says he sent to officials at the time.

The terms of reference, which were settled by the external Queen’s Counsel, say it will consider if any matters should be referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission, or if there are any matters that involve, or may involve, misconduct under the Public Service Act.