CCC says laptops not taken from Integrity Commissioner its request

The acting boss of the CCC says the corruption watchdog is not currently investigating Integrity Commissioner Nikola Stepanov and insists laptops were not removed from her office at the watchdog’s request.

Queensland’s corruption watchdog has insisted laptops were not removed from the office of the Integrity Commissioner at its request.

It came as the Crime and Corruption Commission also confirmed it was not currently investigating Nikola Stepanov – revealing it had finalised its assessment of two claims in January last year.

Acting CCC Chairperson Bruce Barbour on Friday said the CCC launched an investigation in August 2021 into the alleged disclosure of, access to and security of “confidential information” relating to the office of the Integrity Commissioner.

Speaking before the Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee, Mr Barbour said the investigation was in its final stages, and indicated the CCC would want to provide a report to parliament

Queensland Integrity Commissioner Nikola Stepanov speaks at n estimates committee hearing at Queensland parliament. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Jono Searle

Mr Barbour confirmed matters relating to laptops and their contents were part of the investigation – which he revealed was called “Workshop”.

Robert Setter, who is the commission chief executive of the Public Service Commission, previously released a statement earlier this month – suggesting a laptop had been provided to the CCC at their request.

In the February 13 statement, Mr Setter also said at no time did the Public Service Commission raid the offices of the Integrity Commissioner, and that at no time had it seized anything from Dr Stepanov.

Mr Barbour on Friday said “raid” was not a word he would use to describe what had taken place.

But he later told the PCCC that the request by the CCC for a laptop to be provided to it was made after the commencement of the investigation dubbed “Workshop”, which began in August 2021.

“As has been reported in the public arena, a laptop or laptops were removed from the office in March,” Mr Barbour said.

Actin CCC chairperson Bruce Barbour. File picture

“I think the reason why I just mentioned what I did is to make it clear that it wasn’t at the request of the CCC that laptops were removed from the office of the Integrity Commissioner.

“The timing as I just indicated to you does not support that fact.”

Mr Babour also confirmed that the CCC was not currently investigating Dr Stepanov herself.

He said a complaint against the Integrity Commissioner involving two allegations – originating from the Public Service Commission – was made to the CCC in December 2020.

He said one allegation involved misuse of a credit card, with the CCC determining there was insufficient evidence to raise a reasonable suspicion of corrupt conduct.

Mr Barbour said the second allegation was about claims of bullying over a two-year period, with the CCC determining it had no jurisdiction over such matters.

The acting CCC boss said it notified the Public Service Commission of its decision on both matters on January 25, 2021.

“We have received no further complaints against the Integrity Commissioner and accordingly the CCC is not currently investigating the Integrity Commissioner,” Mr Barbour said.

On Friday afternoon, Mr Setter said he stood by his statement from February 13 – saying it was a “statement of fact”.

“A laptop was provided to the CCC at their request,” Mr Setter said

“I have never stated that the CCC requested that a laptop be taken from the Office of the Integrity Commissioner.

“The Acting Chairperson of the CCC today confirmed continuing investigations. It is therefore not appropriate for the PSC to comment further.

“These are complex and important matters that take time to deal with appropriately and fairly.”

Mr Setter has previously said he respects the independence of the Queensland Integrity Commissioner.