Integrity Commissioner Nikola Stepanov complains of interference

Queensland’s Integrity Commissioner has complained her independence and ability to perform her important duties have been impacted by interference from the Public Service Commission.

The Integrity Commissioner has complained her independence and ability to perform her important duties have been impacted in incredible revelations set to rock the government today.

It’s understood Nikola Stepanov, who is responsible for advising MPs on how to manage conflicts of interest and maintains the state’s lobbyist register, has raised concerns around interference by the Public Service Commission that’s affecting her ability to do her job.

Complaints include being stripped of staff, the confiscation of staff mobile phones and laptops, the authorising of the deletion of public records from those devices and the altering of security permissions and office access to the physical offices of the Integrity Commission.

Ms Stepanov would not confirm or deny making any of the allegations yesterday, saying she was “unable to respond to your specific queries regarding the PSC and my office at this time”.

“However, where I have encountered an issue impacting on my ability to perform my statutory functions and obligations or on the independence of the office, I have raised the issue with the appropriate bodies,” she said.

Queensland Integrity Commissioner Nikola Stepanov. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jono Searle

Ms Stepanov made the comments as she backed removing the PSC as the overseer of her office.

The PSC said there had been no change to staff allocation within the Office of the Integrity Commissioner, but refused to comment on any other allegations put to it.

“An independent strategic review of the Integrity Commissioner’s function is currently underway and is being conducted by Mr Kevin Yearbury,” their statement said.

“Information relating to employees and employment arrangements within the Queensland public service remain confidential and subject to strict privacy obligations.

“As such we are not in a position to comment any further.”

Ms Stepanov said she agreed with the findings of a review of the public service, known as the Bridgeman review, that found “given the independence and importance of the Integrity Commissioner, locating budget and support arrangements under the Public Service Commission is not appropriate”.

It said the setup “is neither administratively efficient nor free from potential conflicts between the two entities’ functions” and recommended consideration of new, appropriate arrangements.

“I concur with Mr Bridgeman’s findings and recommendation, and I am pleased that the Strategic Review conducted by Mr Kevin Yearbury is underway,” Ms Stepanov said.

“Ultimately, the functions of the Integrity Commissioner and how the Integrity Commissioner is supported in terms of resources is a matter for parliament and Government, taking into account the recommendation of Mr Bridgeman and any relevant recommendations of the Strategic Review.”

The revelations come after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed to an Estimates Committee in July there had been “a referral to a committee” involving Ms Stepanov when asked whether there had been, or were currently, any investigations into the Integrity Commissioner by any entity.

At the same hearing, Ms Stepanov said she was not aware of any investigations into her.

The PSC confirmed days later it was not investigating or assessing any matter involving Ms Stepanov.