Secrecy shrouds result of probe into bungled principal appointment

Secrecy still surrounds the outcome of an investigation into the appointment process of a Brisbane school principal, sparked by allegations of interference by then deputy premier Jackie Trad - and it’s not known when one will be provided.

Secrecy still shrouds the outcome of an investigation into the bungled appointment process of a Brisbane school principal – and it’s not known when one will be provided.

Education Minister Grace Grace on Wednesday said Jeff Hunt, who was stood aside from his role as deputy director-general in the Education Department in May 2020 amid a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation, was still suspended.

But Ms Grace said she had not received any findings from the Public Service Commission’s probe into the same ­matter, despite it having wrapped up about a year ago.

\Education Minister Grace Grace during Question Time in state parliament on Wednesday. Picture: NewsWire / Dan Peled

The state’s corruption watchdog launched an investigation in mid-2020 following allegations former Deputy Premier Jackie Trad interfered in the appointment of a principal at the Inner City South State Secondary College.

Ms Trad quit cabinet after learning of the probe, while Mr Hunt was stood aside soon after. The watchdog cleared Ms Trad and took no further action, but found a public service in the apparent thrall of the former deputy premier.

The CCC handed the PSC a separate report for it to determine whether any disciplinary action was necessary.

But the PSC hasn’t provided the Education Department any findings, with a spokesman saying the matter was still under PSC consideration.

“All matters should be referred to the commission,” the spokesman said.

The PSC said the investigation and report were complete but there were “some resulting matters currently with other appropriate authorities”.

“It should be noted that while two-thirds of matters involving suspensions are completed within three months, more complex matters that may involve legal processes take longer,” it said.

It comes as Ms Grace confirmed there was an ongoing matter in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission involving Mr Hunt.

“Yes, my understanding is that there is a matter in relation to that, but that’s under the PSC and that’s being handled under that,” she said. “But obviously matters before the QIRC is a matter for the QIRC.”

A department spokesman refused to comment on matters before the QIRC.