Coaldrake Review: Palaszczuk dodges integrity grilling for dentist appointment

Annastacia Palaszczuk is yet to front the media to discuss the bombshell Coaldrake Review, blaming a two-hour dental appointment for the delay.

Annastacia Palaszczuk has blamed a dental appointment for being unable to hold a media conference in the wake of the Coaldrake report.

The Premier released a statement overnight vowing to accept the recommendations, but has not fronted the media since the landmark report was handed down on Tuesday.

In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, Ms Palaszczuk said she underwent a two-hour dental surgery in the morning.

“It could not be delayed,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“I am in the office working, but unfortunately it means I am unable to conduct a media conference this afternoon.

“I will be available to the media at 9am Thursday morning.”

Meanwhile, the former state archivist whose allegations contributed to the Premier setting up the Coaldrake Review has issued a fresh call for the Palaszczuk government to hold a full commission of inquiry into integrity issues.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Mike Summerell, who raised his concerns with Professor Peter Coaldrake from New Zealand, where he is now based, said on Wednesday the “sound” recommendations delivered in his 100-page final report “don’t remotely go far enough”.

“As I said in April when Professor Coaldrake issued his interim report, he had limited powers, a limited scope and an inability to provide sufficient protections to ensure public servants could speak openly without fear of consequences. I think those issues remain problematic,” Mr Summerell posted on social media.

“I think it’s clear he has done a good job despite the restrictions put on him. I think his recommendations and conclusions are sound, however I feel they don’t remotely go far enough.

“I repeat my call from earlier this year. Peter Coaldrake has shown there is a huge problem, but he has provided no real details at all. The people who caused these issues in many cases remain in post and in power, those who stood up to them have been forced out and suppressed.

“A full Commission of Inquiry is now required to examine the details and to ensure those who caused and prospered under this culture are held to account.”

Former state archivist Mike Summerell.

Mr Summerell has previously claimed public servants risked “career suicide” by daring to put the public interest first, with too much focus placed on protecting the government’s image. He also alleged interference in his role and preparing his annual reports, potentially leading to parliament being misled.

An independent probe headed by external Queen’s Counsel John McKenna – also commissioned by the Premier – found he was not directed by department officials to make changes to annual reports and that they did not impose “improper pressure”.

Mr Summerell said today Professor Coaldrake had been forced to take a “broadbrush” approach during his four-month review because he was prevented from “looking at any individual accusations”.

“That is not the fault of Peter Coaldrake, it is a result of the TOR (terms of reference) and quite simply the resources and time available,” he posted.

And Mr Summerell said the absence of recommendations relating to the State Archivist as an integrity role in Prof Coaldrake’s final report was “a huge disappointment”.

Peter Coaldrake has declared Queensland’s rotting public service and murky political processes must be overhauled to improve confidence in the Palaszczuk government’s integrity.

“Peter Coaldrake has opened the door much wider on a big problem, but the door now needs to be fully opened and people need to be held to account,” he said.

“For those of us who spoke up there is a degree of vindication in this report, but those responsible remain and have essentially “gotten away with it”.

“The government will be desperate to close the door on these issues without further scrutiny of the detail and the individuals involved. That should not be allowed to happen. Those harmed by this culture deserve more,” he said.

The Premier has promised to implement Prof Coaldrake’s 14 recommendations “lock, stock and barrel”.