Queensland’s integrity boss claims Palaszczuk government tried to sack her after raising concerns over suspicious conduct

Queensland’s outgoing integrity commissioner faced moves to sack her after she raised concerns about suspicious conduct within the government, and claims the Premier was involved.

Queensland’s outgoing integrity commissioner faced moves to sack her after she raised concerns about suspicious conduct within the government, and sensationally declared Annastacia Palaszczuk was involved.

Integrity Commissioner Nikola Stepanov was referred to a secret parliamentary oversight committee last year, which she said was likely done with the intention of removing her from office.

She said the complaint against her “appears to have originated with the Department of the Premier and Cabinet” - the same department where she had just months earlier raised concerns about suspicious conduct.

Dr Stepanov questioned the timing of the referral, which was made after she took her concerns to the then Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Dr Nikola Stepanov, Queensland’s Integrity Commissioner. (AAP Image/Attila Csaszar)

Dr Stepanov learned of the committee referral at Estimates hearings last year when Ms Palaszczuk was asked if there was any investigation into her conduct.

The Premier told the hearing her “only recollection is that there was a referral to a committee so I do not think I can comment on that further”.

Dr Stepanov said she remained in the dark about the details of the committee referral.

“Prior to Estimates, I was unaware that I had been the subject of a referral to a parliamentary committee,” she said.

“I have no knowledge of the committee to which the referral was made, when the referral occurred, who made the referral or why the referral was made.

“I am unaware of the outcome of any such referral.”

Dr Stepanov tendered her resignation last month after Public Service Commission officials allegedly took a laptop from her office and erased its contents “without my knowledge or consent” in March.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has declined to expand Mr Fitzgerald’s investigation to take in wider integrity complaints, but said he could do so himself. Picture Lachie Millard

A spokesman for Ms Palaszczuk said Dr Stepanov was not referred to the committee because she raised concerns about suspicious conduct.

“The Premier has made it clear that it is incorrect to claim the referral was made for that reason,” he said.

“Any further questions should to be directed to the committee.”

Dr Stepanov’s comments come after former State Archivist Mike Summerell this week also claimed his office was beset by political interference.

The Premier has been reluctant to expand the terms of reference of a review headed by Tony Fitzgerald into the Crime and Corruption Commission to include allegations made by Dr Stepanov and Mr Summerell.

However, Ms Palaszczuk said Mr Fitzgerald could expand the review himself.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli has written to Ms Palaszczuk demanding parliament be recalled next week – a fortnight early – to deal with the integrity questions surrounding the government.

His demands have been rejected by Leader of the House Yvette D’Ath, who said the Opposition could ask its questions when parliament resumes on February 22.