Coaldrake review: Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk finally faces media over scathing integrity report findings

The Premier says her government will “take responsibility” for the poor culture within the public sector, outlining what she felt was the most damning part of this week’s scathing integrity report.

Annastacia Palaszczuk says her government will “take responsibility” for the poor culture within the public sector, and that public servants not focused on the job should leave their roles.

It is the first time the Premier has fronted Queenslanders since Professor Peter Coaldrake handed down his report following a review of her government’s culture and accountability.

“We will accept every single one of the recommendations,” she said.

Ms Palaszczuk said the release of Cabinet papers – usually held for 30 years – in just 30 days was a “fundamental” reform.

“This is revolutionary,” she said.

Ms Palaszczuk said public servants should be focused on delivering services for Queenslanders, and warned those not focused on the job should get out. “Honestly, if people are not doing their job, and they’ve got time to belittle and have a go at other public servants then it’s time for them to move,” she said.

Ms Palaszczuk said it was the right time for the review.

“It is absolutely healthy for government to have a health check from time to time,” she said.

The Premier was asked if she takes responsibility for the poor culture uncovered in the review.

“I think we all need to take responsibility and we will get this fixed,” she said.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says her government will “take responsibility” for the poor culture within the public sector. NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

The Premier revealed the most damning part of the report for her was “concerns about how people can make complaints”.

The Coaldrake review recommended a clearing house be established as a “single door” for the public and bureaucrats to raise complaints.

“I think people need to be able to be sure how they make complaints through the processes,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Of course, we need to improve the culture within the public service and within ministerial offices.”

Ms Palaszczuk said businesses “do not need to employ lobbyists” to meet with her government.

However, Ms Palaszczuk would not commit to stopping lobbyists Evan Moorhead and Cameron Milner from working with her government – despite Prof Coaldrake recommending anyone who runs a campaign be banned from lobbying.

She said Cabinet would be considering the matter, but noted the recommendations were prospective.

Despite the damning nature of the report, including allegations of bullying and belittling, Ms Palaszczuk said the report “doesn’t trouble me”.

She said “I embrace it”, and declined to offer an apology to the public servants who had been bullied.

“I think everyone needs to be treated with respect,” she said.

On the question of allegations public servants blocked Right to Information requests to avoid it turning up on the front page of the paper, Ms Palaszczuk declared “I would hope that’s not the case”.

She insisted training was the key to ensuring her ministers and their staff were treating public servants with respect.

“If people don’t know what they can and can’t do it’s a bit hard to criticise them,” she said.

The Premier said businesses would simply need to “write in” to ministers to schedule meetings.

Peter Coaldrake handed down the report on Tuesday.

Ms Palaszczuk said community Cabinets would also change, with the movements of ministers advertised for stakeholders to attend.

She has pledged to address the public service leadership team and demand change.

Ms Palaszczuk declined to describe lobbyists working on her campaign from One William Street as a mistake, but acknowledged it did not look good.

“I accept that perception could have been negative around that and it’s ruled out – it will never happen again,” she said.

The Premier also insisted her dentist appointment on Wednesday – which prevented her from addressing Queenslanders – was “an emergency”.

“I just had to get it done – I’m sorry,” she told journalists on Thursday.

“I was in my office working and I would have loved to have come and seen you, I was hoping to see you in the afternoon but unfortunately I couldn’t speak.”

Ms Palaszczuk said she was “absolutely” running a full term but had not made up her mind on whether to stand again at the next election.

“I’m looking at it,” she said.

“I absolutely love this job.”

Ms Palaszczuk said free flu vaccinations would be extended for two weeks until July 14.