LNP demands delay in appointing new Parole Board president

The state government is poised to appoint a new Parole Board president, as the LNP says the job should not be filled until after the election.

Michael Byrne KC, who resigned as Parole Board president in June, and Corrective Services Minister NIkki Boyd.

The state government is poised to appoint a new Parole Board president after its former head left under a cloud of controversy, sparking outcry from the LNP which says the job should not be filled until after next month’s state election.

Former Parole Board president Michael Byrne KC resigned in June after seven years in the role.

During fiery parliamentary estimates hearings last month, Corrective Services Minister Nikki Boyd was grilled over how Mr Byrne was able to resign on a $210,000-a-year pension after being referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission over allegations a spousal allowance was paid to a woman who was not his wife.

Documents tabled in parliament by the Opposition claimed Mr Byrne was in a romantic relationship with a Labor government staffer before he was referred to the CCC.

Mr Byrne is not accused of any wrongdoing.

It’s believed the government will announce Mr Byrne’s replacement before going into caretaker mode on October 1.

Sources say Parole Board vice-president Peter Shields, a former Queensland police detective turned criminal barrister who represented clients including wife killer Gerard Baden-Clay, is favoured to be elevated to the top job.

Barrister Peter Shields is tipped to be appointed to president of the Parole Board. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled G

Opposition integrity spokeswoman Fiona Simpson said the key appointment should be delayed until after the election.

“Instead of rushing through appointments at the eleventh hour, the State Labor Government should hold off until after Queenslanders have had their say at the October 26 election,” she said.

The Opposition would not say if it would seek to overturn the appointment if it wins the October 26 election.

Ms Boyd’s office would not confirm if a new Parole Board president would be announced before the election, with a spokesman saying a national recruitment process was under way to fill the “important role”.

“The government is undertaking the required steps, similar to any government appointment,” she said. “As this role is appointed by Governor in Council it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

The Opposition alleged during estimates that Mr Byrne had been allowed to resign for political reasons, with LNP leader David Crisafulli asking Ms Boyd: “Can the minister tell Queenslanders why the former parole board president was allowed to resign on his own terms, entitling him to a pension for life, rather than being stood down?”

Ministerial diary records show Corrective Services Minister Nikki Boyd met with Corrective Services Commissioner Paul Stewart on the morning of June 12.

Ms Boyd has admitted she was informed by Mr Stewart of allegations regarding Mr Byrne which had led to him being referred to the CCC on June 12, despite denying any knowledge of the allegations or CCC investigations during estimates on July 26.

“I didn’t recall that during estimates, which is why I responded to the questions in the way that I did,” she said at the time.

“He’s (Mr Stewart) further clarified that with me in discussions after estimates.”

Ministerial diaries further show that Ms Boyd proceeded to meet with Mr Byrne alone on June 12, after her meeting with Mr Stewart.

Two days later, he tendered his resignation.

Opposition Integrity spokeswoman Fiona Simpson MP says any Parole Board appointments should be delayed until after the election. Picture: Liam Kidston

The LNP used question time in parliament on Wednesday to grill Ms Boyd over her knowledge of the allegations against Mr Byrne prior to meeting with him on June 12 and accepting his resignation on June 14.

Ms Boyd has admitted that her office, after receiving the resignation, negotiated Mr Byrnes resignation date, bringing it forward from July 12 to 4.

She said this was to deliver “fresh leadership” in the Parole Board.

The LNP claimed in parliament Ms Boyd’s office’s negotiation with Mr Byrne was done to allow him to receive a higher pension payout, with July 4 marking his seven years of service – entitling him to an additional $30,000 per year.

Ms Boyd said she sought Crown Law advice after Mr Byrne resigned on June 14 and was instructed that July 4 was the earliest registration date possible.

“The advice that my staff gave me with that change in date was, any other option wouldn’t result in a date that was sooner than the 4th of July,” she said.

Ms Boyd also denied knowledge of Mr Byrne’s potential entitlements connected with his resignation date.

“I don’t know what his entitlements are. The date of his resignation is a matter to him,” she said.