Qld integrity crisis: Terms of reference revealed for inquiry
The terms of reference for the Queensland Government’s integrity probe have been revealed, with the inquiry to take a month.
QLD Politics
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Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s director-general will have a month to finalise her report into allegations raised by former state archivist Mike Summerell – with the findings set to be made public.
The Department of Premier and Cabinet today unveiled the terms of reference into the review, revealing Rachel Hunter’s scope of work and how she would conduct the review.
The terms of reference reveal the review will look into three allegations, including claims by Mr Summerell that he was pressured to remove any content that could be perceived negatively in the drafts of the 2017-18 and 2018-19 Queensland State Archives annual reports.
The review will also examine allegations that his attempts to raise concerns through the annual report were interfered with in both 2017-18 and 2019-20.
And it will examine allegations that, for two years, Mr Summerell was directed to create misleading annual reports to Parliament by then Department of Housing and Public Works senior officials to “avoid anything embarrassing or damaging to the Government”.
“The director-general will oversee a review that will gather all relevant documentary evidence in relation to the allegations, with a view to assessing whether the allegations are substantiated,” the terms of reference say.
“The allegations will be considered in the context of relevant legislation and policies, including the code of conduct for the Queensland public service.”
The terms of reference confirm the review will be finalised by March 4, dependent on the “volume and nature of material under consideration”.
“These terms of reference have been reviewed and settled by an external Queen’s Counsel,” the document says.
“Likewise, the process will be considered, and the findings arising from the review will be settled, by the Queen’s Counsel.
“Subject to any confidentiality obligations, the findings will be published.”
According to the methodology listed in the terms of reference, the review will gather and examine relevant documentation held by government departments relating to the drafting and finalisation of the 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 Queensland State Archives annual reports.
The review will also consider if there are any matters that involve, or may involve, corrupt conduct that require referral to the Crime and Corruption Commission.
And it will consider whether there are any matters that involve, or may involve, misconduct under the Public Service Act, as well as any matters that may otherwise warrant disciplinary action under the same legislation.
Mr Summerell has previously rejected Ms Palaszczuk’s director-general handling the report as “inappropriate”.
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