Jackie Trad resigns amid corruption probe

Queensland’s deputy premier and treasurer Jackie Trad has resigned amid a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation.

QUEENSLAND’S deputy premier and treasurer has resigned from her ministerial portfolio following news the state’s corruption watchdog would be investigating claims she interfered with the recruitment of a school principal in her electorate.

In a press conference outside Parliament House today, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed Ms Trad had resigned from her ministerial portfolio responsibilities and announced several new appointments.

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“She has made the decision in the best interests of her family, the community and the party,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“She does not want there to be any distraction for the Government as we respond to the COVID crisis and where the Government must be focused on the recovery and jobs.”

Ms Palaszczuk said she had moved “swiftly and decisively” in making new appointments.

Health Minister Steven Miles has been appointed as the Deputy Premier.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk making the announcement today. Picture: AAP/Dan Peled

State Development Minister Cameron Dick will change roles, stepping in as Treasurer, but will retain his Infrastructure and Planning portfolio.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones will add State Development to her responsibilities. She will remain responsible for the Cross River Rail project.

Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford’s portfolio will be extended to cover Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, while Gladstone MP Glenn Butcher has been appointed Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing.

Ms Palaszczuk said these cabinet changes were “permanent appointments” and the team would be sworn in on Monday.

“Queenslanders expect my team and myself to be focused on dealing with the health and economic crisis that we have before us and that is absolutely my intention,” she said.

When pressed on whether Ms Trad had the Premier’s support to stand as the endorsed candidate for Labor at the next election, Ms Palaszczuk replied “yes.”

“I support all of my team recontesting the next election.”

Steven Miles, pictured with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, has been announced Deputy Premier. Picture: AAP/Dan Peled

Ms Trad’s resignation comes after The Sunday Mail published details of an anonymous letter behind the Crime and Corruption Commission investigation.

The letter, dated September 4, claims Ms Trad potentially interfered with the selection process for the principal of the new Inner City South Secondary College in her South Brisbane electorate.

The development has plunged the Government into chaos less than six months before the election, and during the biggest health crisis to rock the state.

Ms Trad said yesterday it was her intention to run in her seat of South Brisbane at the October election.

Ms Trad said after learning of the investigation late Friday, she told Ms Palaszczuk she would be standing aside from her ministerial duties until the investigation was completed, before Ms Palaszczuk’s announcement of the resignation today.

“I will co-operate fully with this investigation,” Ms Trad told a media conference yesterday.

“It will provide me with an opportunity to set the record straight on this matter.

“Let me be clear – no applicant to the principal position was known to me in any capacity, personal, political or professional.

“Further I have never expressed a view to anyone on who should fill that role.

“To ensure that this is not a distraction for the Premier and for the Labor Government, I advised the Premier last night that I would be standing aside from my ministerial duties until the investigation is completed.”