QBCC corruption complaints double, most coming from within

The state’s corruption watchdog received double the complaints about the QBCC in the 2021-22 financial year that it did in the previous period – most from within the organisation.

Queensland’s corruption watchdog received 30 complaints regarding the state’s building regulator in 2021-22 – almost double those lodged during the previous financial year.

And Crime and Corruption Commission chair Bruce Barbour has revealed that 23 of the complaints came from within the Queensland Building and Construction Commission.

Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni defended the QBCC, saying he wasn’t concerned and was very supportive of the work that was being done across all of his associated agencies.

He said the first time he heard of the complaints was when journalists raised it with him at his press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

“I have no concerns about the regulator, the men and women that work in there, I’m sure they’re doing a very good job,” he said.

The CCC chair said that of those complaints received during 2021-22, one was made by another public sector agency while four were made directly to the watchdog by members of the public.

Two were “self-generated” by the CCC.

It’s not known what the complaints were about.

Mr Barbour revealed one of the complaints was being investigated by the watchdog.

Nine are subject to review and monitoring by the CCC, with one having resulted in a dismissal.

Eleven have been referred back to the QBCC, with eight requiring no further action.

“One matter was finalised managerially, two matters were not substantiated and in one of those there was insufficient evidence for further action,” Mr Barbour said.

“Five matters are ongoing.”

Sixteen complaints were received during 2020-21.