Senior ministers warned over lobbyist ‘temptation’

Senior politicians and bureaucrats have been warned by the state’s corruption watchdog of the “temptations” they can face when dealing with lobbyists, political donors and consultants.

Senior politicians and bureaucrats have been warned by the state’s corruption watchdog of the “temptations” they can face when dealing with lobbyists, political donors and consultants.

In a second extraordinary warning in as many months, the Crime and Corruption Commission chair Alan MacSporran has urged ministers, assistant ministers and directors-general to be advocates for integrity and anti-corruption.

It comes after Integrity Commissioner Nikola Stepanov asked for a wholesale review of lobbyist provisions citing an “extraordinary and sustained” demand for her advice.

Integrity Commissioner Dr Nikola Stepanov. (AAP Image/Attila Csaszar)

The Opposition grilled the Department of Premier and Cabinet this week following reports lobbyists and former ALP state secretaries Cameron Milner and Evan Moorhead helped with Labor’s election strategy.

A spokesman from Anacta, where Mr Moorhead is a director, said the company supported the review process and looked forward to Queensland enhancing its nation-leading regulations.

Mr MacSporran yesterday revealed he had written a letter to senior government decision makers to mark International Anti-Corruption Day, warning there may be an expectation among individuals or private sector corporations that they’re entitled to special treatment.

And he repeated that the watchdog was actively monitoring public – private sector interaction.

“This year in particular the impact of COVID-19, with its resultant pressure to stimulate economic recovery, coincides with considerable machinery of government (MOG) changes,” he wrote.

“I seek your assistance to support the CCC’s efforts to ensure that the culture of our state’s public sector closely aligns with community expectations of it.“

CCC Alan MacSporran QC. Photographer: Liam Kidston

Just two months ago during the state election campaign, Mr MacSporran warned the lines between government and the private sector were blurring, “with overlapping networks of association involving consultants, influencers, lobbyists and executives.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk this week said she would support examining whether Queensland’s lobbying laws needed renewing within the upcoming five-yearly Strategic Review of the Integrity Commissioner’s performance and functions.

The review is due next year.

LNP integrity spokeswoman Fiona Simpson accused the Government of having no credibility on integrity matters.

But a government spokesman said Labor stood by its integrity record including introducing rules to ensure transparency around lobbying activities.

“Five-year reviews are built in to the legislation to ensure updates can be made when they’re needed,” he said.