Former state archivist warns against ‘talking to the choir’ in upcoming integrity probe

Former state archivist Mike Summerell insists allowing past public servants to testify in the state’s upcoming integrity inquiry – stating without them the probe would be ‘meaningless’.

A former state archivist has insisted past public servants need to be allowed to testify during the state government’s upcoming integrity inquiry as he warned against authorities just “talking to the choir”.

Mike Summerell has also emphasised the importance of protecting the identities of those who did speak otherwise people would be too fearful of reprisal.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk last week announced an independent and wide-ranging review into the culture and accountability of the government following weeks of pressure and complaints of political interference in statutory bodies.

Mr Summerell on Sunday said people had reached out to him about their own experiences in recent weeks.

Former state archivist Mike Summerell is pushing for the state government to allow past public servants to testify.

“Without speaking to former public servants this inquiry will be meaningless,” he said.

“The reality for some former public servants such as myself, was the price paid for pushing back against the cultural issues that exist is the non-renewal of your contract or you simply have to move on to progress or maintain your own integrity.”

Mr Summerell said “these people” needed to be spoken to.

“Simply ‘talking to the choir’ will not give you the reality of these issues,” he said.

His comments join calls from other whistleblowers who want former public servants to have the opportunity to testify.

But Transport Minister Mark Bailey on Sunday said there were already avenues for complaints to be raised.

“There’s already provisions in terms of public servants being able to make complaints if they wish to,” he said.

“We’ve got one of the strongest array of robust institutions in the country.”

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.

“For many public servants at more junior levels, these will be issues they will never see, these are issues that impact senior public servants and those who work for them, most significantly,” he said on Sunday.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey shut down the call. Picture: Liam Kidston

“If the inquiry is limited to existing senior public servants then the reality is that you are simply talking to those who have succeeded in this environment, and are part of the problem or you are speaking to those who have a lot to fear if they do speak up against it.”

Ms Palaszczuk last week acknowledged that Emeritus Professor Peter Coaldrake, who’s undertaking the four-month review, won’t have unfettered access to witnesses and bureaucrats.

However people speaking with Mr Coaldrake will be granted whistleblower protections.

Mr Summerell, who said he would have “significant concerns” about speaking if he was still in the public service, said without anonymity and protection from reprisals, the ability for former and existing staff to speak out was “significantly compromised”.