Labor fears ‘bombshell’ allegations may be exposed if Jackie Trad loses legal fight

There are concerns within Labor circles that if former deputy premier Jackie Trad loses a Supreme Court fight to suppress a CCC report new “bombshell” allegations will be exposed.

The work of two senior public servants – one still serving and the other gone – is emerging as the centrepiece of the integrity scandal engulfing the Palaszczuk government.

The Saturday Courier-Mail can reveal there are concerns within Labor circles that if former deputy premier Jackie Trad loses a Supreme Court fight to suppress a Crime and Corruption Commission report, “bombshell” allegations against a former senior bureaucrat may be exposed.

The former bureaucrat and the serving official have been embroiled in CCC investigations and their behaviour has also been raised in evidence given to an inquiry headed up by former QUT vice-chancellor Professor Peter Coaldrake.

Former deputy premier Jackie Trad. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled

Lawyers for both have been advised that they will be asked to give evidence, although it is not known if the terms of reference for the Coaldrake inquiry can compel them to answer.

It’s also expected that Prof Coaldrake will ask for greater power to give whistleblower protection to public servants keen to provide evidence when he hands down his interim report later this month.

Prof Coaldrake is investigating the culture and claims of dysfunctionality in the public service in an inquiry ordered by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

In his interim report due out this month, there is a likelihood that Prof Coaldrake will ask for wider terms of reference to allow whistleblowers anonymity and protection.

Many want to come forward but are fearful of reprisals, such is the concern about being seen to buck the system.

Professor Peter Coaldrake.

Judicial sources claim there is a much bigger political play going down at the Supreme Court where ex-treasurer Ms Trad is trying to suppress the publication of a CCC report into the appointment of former Under-Treasurer Frankie Carroll. Taxpayers are funding Ms Trad’s legal action.

It’s understood the government is spooked by the CCC report, which has the potential to significantly damage its modus operandi.

The government has been forced to re-run job interviews and seek legal advice on the legitimacy of appointments, including that of former Premier and Cabinet director-general Dave Stewart to the job of agent-general in London.

There is no suggestion Mr Carroll or Mr Stewart are not qualified for their roles.

A directive went out last year outlining rules on “how selection panel chairs should deal with integrity issues and perceived conflicts’’.

It stressed that chief executive appointments should be made on merit principles outlined in the Public Service Act.

The directive said: “Effective from the 9 June 2021, all chief executive appointments are required to comply with the chief executive recruitment and selection Directive (Directive 01/21).”