Whistleblowers demand ex-staff be part of integrity probe

Public servants who have since left their jobs must be allowed to testify to an independent review into government integrity, whistleblowers say, as it can be revealed the man tasked with carrying out the probe will not have unfettered access to witnesses and bureaucrats.

Public servants who have since left their jobs must be allowed to testify to an independent review into government integrity, whistleblowers say.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has tapped Emeritus Professor Peter Coaldrake to undertake a four-month, “broad-reaching” review into the culture and accountability within Queensland’s public service agencies and entities.

Ms Palaszczuk acknowledged he would not have unfettered access to witnesses and bureaucrats, but left open the possibility for Mr Coaldrake to expand his probe and seek additional powers.

The announcement was overshadowed by questions about Mr Coaldrake’s involvement with the Labor party.

He confirmed he had been a Labor member for a few years “somewhere between 37 and 42 year ago”.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

“I attended either one or two branch meetings and decided that wasn’t the place for me,” he told 4BC following Opposition attacks.

“I think that’s a reasonable amount of time ago.

“And I guess I’ve built a career working with both sides of politics in various roles … (and) I have an awareness of government and worked with governments on both sides on both levels for a very long period.”

He also addressed suggestions he was a Labor donor, saying he had spent $1700 on a table for QPAC board members at a 2018 Budget lunch to hear about funding committed to the organisation he volunteers his services for.

Asked whether he would interview Integrity Commissioner Nikola Stepanov, Mr Coaldrake said he hadn’t decided yet who he would speak to.

“I haven’t given any consideration to who I interview yet, or who wants to see me,” he told 4BC.

“I would expect during the course of my review to gain a first-order familiarity with the issues that are swirling around … (and) I certainly intend to understand them.”

He said he would “certainly” be speaking to the head of integrity organisations.

But he said he was “sure I won’t” have the ability to compel witnesses to give evidence and testimony.

Peter Coaldrake, VC of QUT, is announcing fees following proposed deregulation , with the new Science and Engineering Centre behind, at the Gardens Point Campus in the CBD , Brisbane

“But I will have the power to consult widely,” he said.

“And whether or not one is accepting or doubting that, the proof will be in the pudding.”

He said he would be analysing “quite a complex picture” and was interested in fully understanding it.

“It’s not a four-year Royal Commission, it’s a four-month intensive piece of work in which I will try to provide an analysis and a perspective of the issues at hand,” he said.

“I’m very serious about doing a good job here.”

The Premier said Mr Coaldrake “at this stage” could not compel witnesses, but said he would have the choice to take submissions from public servants.

“I’m leaving that entirely up to him,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

Whistleblower protections will be granted for people speaking with Mr Coaldrake and hoped he would “go and engage with people” within the bureaucracy.

However, Ms Palaszczuk said individual complaints would not be considered by Mr Coaldrake because there were already “a whole range of mechanisms” for them to be considered.

After weeks of resisting calls for an inquiry, Ms Palaszczuk declared her change of heart came after “listening” to Queenslanders.

“I’ve thought about this long and hard, I’ve spoken with my colleagues and we have put in place this review,” she said.

Former legal services commissioner Bob Brittan said the review was “a step in the right direction”. Pic Peter Wallis

Former state archivist Mike Summerell, whose whistleblowing was instrumental in securing the inquiry.

Dr Stepanov welcomed the news of the wide-ranging review and, in particular, its focus on the nature of interactions between the executive, public sector and the state’s integrity bodies.

She backed Mr Coaldrake’s appointment to lead the review, saying his “deep knowledge and understanding of the Queensland public sector” made him a good fit.

“This is an important first step,” she said of the review.

“I note that the review will focus on the need for system-level reforms and will not seek to resolve individual complaints.

“That is appropriate for a review which does not have the full powers of a Commission of Inquiry.

“While the review will not seek to resolve individual complaints, in my view it is important that individuals be given the opportunity to be heard as part of the review process, and that they be able to do so without fear of any repercussions.”

Dr Stepanov said Mr Coaldrake should be given the “widest possible scope to conduct his review, in the public interest”.

Former state archivist Mike Summerell, whose whistleblowing was instrumental in securing the inquiry, also welcomed the Premier’s announcement as “a positive step”.

Vanda Wieczorkowski, director of the Forensic Disability Service in Wacol from April 2015 to June 2019, said she would welcome the opportunity to give evidence to an independent inquiry. Pics Adam Head

“A key requirement for any inquiry will be protection for public servants to speak about these matters without any fear of reprisal or consequence,” he told The Courier-Mail.

“Without those protections it will be a meaningless inquiry.

“To date the only consequences there have been, have been aimed at those who have raised these issues.

“To date a message has been sent that hardly is conducive to a meaningful investigation of these matters.

“Hopefully that will be addressed in the terms of reference of any inquiry and its independence.”

He also supported past public sector workers being able to take part.

“There is absolutely no value at all unless he is talking to former public servants who were forced out,” he said.

Former legal services commissioner Bob Brittan said the review was “a step in the right direction”.

“I think in fairness to him you’ve got to let him do his job and see what recommendations he makes,” he said.

But he said public servants needed protection, not just against reprisal, but against defamation and internal discipline procedures so they were able to tell Mr Coaldrake exactly what they knew.

“They need protections, otherwise people won’t have the courage to speak out if they’re fearful for the positions they hold,” he said.

He said Mr Coaldrake should “of course” speak to former employees too “because those persons would have knowledge and experience in relation to those issues” being investigated and he should not be limited by his scope.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli criticised the review.

“Every step the Palaszczuk Government has taken throughout the integrity crisis has been an attempt to relieve pressure and avoid the genuine scrutiny of a Royal Commission,” he said.

“Another review conducted by a person who donated to the Labor Party ahead of the last election is not the Royal Commission we need.”