Ex-treasurer Jackie Trad’s corruption probe to be kept secret

Jackie Trad has claimed “unlawful conduct” by the CCC after it conceded it had no power to release details of a corruption probe.

Former state treasurer Jackie Trad. Picture by Richard Gosling

Former Deputy Premier Jackie Trad, has lashed out at the Crime and Corruption Commission’s “unlawful conduct” after it conceded it had no power to release details of a corruption probe brought against her.

The details of the probe may never be made public after the CCC backed down and offered to pay her legal costs.

It came less than a month after the High Court of Australia declared the watchdog had no power to release a similar report detailing allegations made against former public trustee Peter Carne.

At a hearing in the Brisbane Supreme Court on Tuesday afternoon, Justice Martin Burns heard the CCC had written to Ms Trad’s lawyers on Friday, conceding it did not have the power to make the report public as per the High Court’s ruling.

The CCC had been pushing to release the report that detailed allegations Ms Trad intervened in the independent recruitment process of a senior public servant during her tenure as treasurer.

“The CCC’s unlawful conduct has had a significant impact on my political career and my family over the past three years,” Ms Trad said in a statement.

“I am grateful that there has been a clear and emphatic finding by the High Court of Australia and my hope is that others do not have to live through this experience.

“I am deeply grateful to my family and friends for their unwavering love and support.”

Jackie Trad hit out at the Crime and Corruption Commission’s “unlawful conduct” over the matter. Picture: Peter Wallis

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk last year confirmed that taxpayers were footing the bill for Ms Trad’s legal fight because she initiated the action in her capacity as a former minister.

She has been represented by top silks including Saul Holt KC and Angus Scott KC.

In response to the High Court ruling on September 13, CCC boss Bruce Barbour last month called for urgent and retrospective legislative changes that would allow similar reports to be released.

The High Court’s finding nullified the abilities the watchdog had relied upon for more than two decades.

Justice Burns made orders on Tuesday formally dismissing the case and ordering that the CCC pay Ms Trad’s costs.

Deputy Opposition Leader Jarrod Bleijie said the ruling was “bad news for Queenslanders” and dared Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to release the report.

“The question that Annastacia Palaszczuk, the Labor Party and Shannon Fentiman as the Attorney-General at the time must answer is: what is in the Jackie Trad report they don’t want Queenslanders to see?” he said.

“Why the government go to such extreme lengths to try and hide this report from the people of Queensland?

“Why hasn’t the government legislated to ensure these reports are open and transparent?”

Mr Bleijie taunted the state government to release the report who he said repeatedly dismissed queries about the matter due to it being before the court.

“It’s finished in the court now – what is stopping the Premier releasing this report … what is stopping the Palaszczuk Labor government from releasing the report?” he said.

“Essentially, the Labor state government is covering this matter up.”

Kawana MP Jarrod Bleijie. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

The High Court of Australia in mid-September ruled the contents of a Crime and Corruption Commission report into former public trustee Peter Carne detailing allegations of misconduct should not be published.

According to the CCC the precedent-setting decision meant it had “no such power” to make vital reports public, nullifying abilities the watchdog had believed and relied on to do its job for the past 25 years.

It also effectively barred the CCC from publishing its investigation report into whether former deputy Premier Jackie Trad improperly intervened in the appointment of a senior Treasury official.

Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said the state government is still considering legal advice it received following the decision in the High Court relating to Mr Carne.

She said the government is yet to determine if the reports into the matters will be made public.

“I am aware of today’s the Supreme Court decision involving the Crime and Corruption Commission,” Ms D’Ath said in a statement following the court’s judgment.

“Following the High Court judgment last month, the Palaszczuk government sought and received legal advice which is now being considered.”