Premier: Union links are ‘good government’

Annastacia Palaszczuk has defended Minister Mark Bailey’s close relationship with unions, declaring it “a hallmark of good government”.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has defended Minister Mark Bailey’s close relationship with unions, declaring it “a hallmark of good government” while refusing suggestions union bosses were calling the shots.

Ms Palaszczuk on Friday morning revealed she had had “a thorough read” of the former State Archivist Mike Summerell’s report into Mr Bailey’s use of a private email account for official business, released on Wednesday.

The report revealed an extraordinary relationship between Mr Bailey and union stakeholders – and revealed a hit list of public servants linked to the LNP.

Ms Palaszczuk, who copped criticism on Thursday for not having read the report, said no further action was required on Mr Bailey’s emails – declaring they had been “canvassed at length” by the Crime and Corruption Commission.

The Premier said her only concern was the use of private email accounts, labelling the practice “not good” and insisting it had been rectified.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli has called for Mr Bailey’s sacking after former Electrical Trades Union boss Peter Simpson sent an email to the then-energy minister detailing matters to be discussed by Cabinet.

Ms Palaszczuk said she did not believe Mr Bailey pushed the position advocated by the ETU in Cabinet and denied it was concerning unions knew the contents of negotiations.

“Where there is legislation and other business that comes before Cabinet – legislation is a good example – consultation happens on that and it is actually good practice to consult with a whole range of stakeholders about what their views are,” she said. “There is stakeholder consultation, that is a hallmark of good government.”

The Opposition has called on the Premier to refer “Cabinet leaks and influence of union officials over a minister” to the CCC.