‘Fitzgerald 2.0’: Premier rejects calls for answers in integrity storm

Annastacia Palaszczuk is resisting calls to launch a commission of inquiry following stunning revelations by a former state archivist that have added to the integrity issues dogging her government. But vocal opponents are calling for a Royal Commission, saying she “has no choice but to agree” to one.

Annastacia Palaszczuk is resisting calls to launch a commission of inquiry into integrity issues dogging her government, rejecting concerns there’s a culture issue while insisting she was working hard to uphold the values of Queenslanders.

Defending stunning revelations made by former state archivist Mike Summerell, including that there was a culture in government to protect it from embarrassment, the Premier said she encouraged anyone to make a complaint if they suspected corruption.

Despite Mr Summerell revealing his contract was not renewed, Ms Palaszczuk insisted that it was her understanding he was offered an extension.

Asked whether she was concerned by the scathing assessment of integrity and accountability which he gave of her government, Ms Palaszczuk said Mr Summerell had outlined his concerns to the state’s corruption watchdog before he left.

“In section 38 of the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 it places an obligation on public officials including CEOs to notify the CCC of a complaint or information or matters that involves or may involve corrupt conduct,” she said.

“That is an obligation of every single public servant that works in government.

“And I expect every public servant to abide by that in terms if they ever suspect or think anything is not going well to actually refer and that’s the course that should happen.”

Queensland’s minor parties and the Opposition have called for a commission of inquiry into integrity issues that have recently dogged the government including complaints the Public Service Commission meddled in the office of the Integrity Commissioner.

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Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said Queensland needed a “Fitzgerald Inquiry 2.0.”

“This morning I wrote to the Premier demanding she agree to launch a Royal Commission (Commission of Inquiry) into the systemic and cultural integrity issues in her government,” he said.

“She has no choice but to agree.

“A Royal Commission is the only vehicle that can deliver the answers and reform we need.”

But the Premier said she wouldn’t be “lectured to” by the LNP as she rejected concerns there was an issue with her government’s culture.

She said she was concerned about the issues Mr Summerell had outlined but again said he had gone to the CCC.

Asked about his calls for legislation to be strengthened to ensure accountability, the Premier said Acts get reviewed “quite regularly”.

She said she was proud of her government’s track record with integrity and accountability but said it was always looking to do better.

“That is why I am saying that if there are any allegations people need to raise them with the CCC,” she said.

“The CCC is the standing royal commission in Queensland.”

Alan MacSporran resigned as the chair of the Crime and Corruption Commission this week. Photographer: Liam Kidston

She wouldn’t be drawn on whether a commission of inquiry should be expanded to cover wider integrity concerns.

She instead repeated that her cabinet would seriously consider the recommendation by the Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee which called for a commission of inquiry into the CCC following its failed charges against several Logan City Councillors.

“I think the people of Queensland know me,” she said.

“They know I work every single day to uphold their values to keep them safe and look after their families.”

The Premier said she expected a very high standard from her ministers and her assistant ministers and every single member of her government.

“That is what I stand for and the people of Queensland know that,” she said.

“I stood and fought every single day for what that LNP government did to the institutions of our state.

“Where they attacked the CCC and they actually took away staff.

“We have robust institutions in this state and we’ll uphold those institutions.”