Fitzgerald inquiry into Crime and Corruption Commission recommends widespread reforms

The corruption watchdog is set to face the most sweeping reforms in its history as Tony Fitzgerald unveils the findings of his probe.

Crime and Corruption Commission officers will be forced to seek independent legal advice before laying charges and face external oversight as part of widespread reforms to curb the “risks” of the watchdog mishandling matters.

Eminent corruption-buster Tony Fitzgerald and retired Supreme Court judge Alan Wilson have released their long-awaited 225-page report into the CCC – listing 32 recommendations designed to improve public trust in the watchdog.

The inquiry was launched in January after a parliamentary committee raised serious concerns about the CCC’s handling of its investigation into Logan councillors.

That committee questioned the secondment of Queensland Police Service officers to the CCC, noting it had brewed a culture of groupthink within the organisation.

Retired Supreme Court judge Alan Wilson, Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman, Tony Fitzgerald and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Picture: Supplied

Mr Fitzgerald and Mr Wilson acknowledged the use of seconded police officers within the CCC “carried risks that manifested in the Logan Council matter” – and have recommended a suite of reforms to ensure charges are not wrongly laid.

They found seconded officers were at risk of taking a “law enforcement approach” at the expense of other responses “like systemic or organisational changes intended to promote prevention”.

“The CCC lacks, in our view, both internal and external checks and balances that appropriately addressed these risks,” the Commissioners noted.

“We have concluded that seconded police officers remain a valuable asset in the CCC’s work but their skills and experience do not entirely meet the requirements of the CCC’s corruption investigations.”

The Commissioners have recommended the Palaszczuk government amend legislation so CCC officers undertaking a corruption investigation “must seek the opinion of the Director of Public Prosecutions concerning whether a charge may properly be brought”.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says there are no recommendations in the Fitzgerald report into the CCC that her government wouldn’t accept. Picture: Tertius Pickard

It comes after a spate of failed prosecutions following charges against local government figures which saw both the Logan and Ipswich councils dismissed.

It also recommends improved oversight of corruption investigations and training of officers.

The review also calls for the CCC’s corruption division to be transitioned to a “predominantly civilianised model” and retain a seconded police officers required at and below director‐level to ensure effective and efficient investigations.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says she had an hour to look at the report before its release. Picture: Tertius Pickard

CCC chairman Bruce Barbour said the watchdog welcomed the report and would immediately begin the work of implementing the recommendations.

“We thank the Commission of Inquiry for the opportunity to participate in the review and its engagement with the CCC,” he said.

“For more than 30 years, Queensland has had an independent agency dedicated to combating major crime and reducing corruption.

“The CCC is focused on continuing this important work for the benefit and in the interests of all Queenslanders.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she had an hour to look at the report before its release and, on the face of it, there were no recommendations that the government wouldn’t accept – with the report to go to Cabinet on Monday.

“It is vital that the democratic institutions of our State are respected and protected and wherever possible improved,” she said.

Ms Palaszczuk and Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman held a press conference as the report was being released.

Tony Fitzgerald has released the long-awaited 225-page report into the CCC. Picture: Anthony Weate

Ms Fentiman said it was important that Queenslanders could continue to have trust in the CCC to carry out corruption investigations.

“It plays a central role in our integrity system,” she said.

The Commissioners have also recommended the CCC’s organisational culture be reviewed as part of regular reviews of its operations.

Ms Palaszczuk in January announced the $5.4m Commission of Inquiry following a Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee report that found the corruption watchdog acted outside the limits of its powers and “failed to act independently and impartially”.

Queensland Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman. Picture: Tertius Pickard

There were 87 submissions lodged with the inquiry from stakeholders including integrity agencies, police, legal minds, academics, unions, local governments and the public.

The submissions, with the exception of some, are expected to be published by the Commission of Inquiry following the release of the report.

A spokeswoman for the inquiry on Monday said Mr Fitzgerald and Mr Wilson would not make any public statements following its release.