Jackie Trad steps aside as treasurer amid CCC probe
The Queensland Labor Government has been rocked by the sudden sidelining of Jackie Trad amid a corruption probe. Here’s who will replace her as deputy premier and treasurer.
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JACKIE Trad has sensationally stood aside from the Queensland Labor Government ministry following revelations the state’s corruption watchdog was investigating a claim she interfered in the recruitment of a school principal in her electorate.
The Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships will head to the back bench for the duration of the Crime and Corruption Commission investigation, and lose much of her lucrative salary.
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The revelation has plunged the Government into chaos less than six months before the election, and during the biggest health crisis to rock the state.
It also comes less than a year after Ms Trad’s Woolloongabba investment property scandal.
The embattled MP – who is the leader of the state’s powerful Left faction – 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 Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk she would be standing aside from her ministerial duties until the investigation was completed.
“I will co-operate fully with this investigation,” she 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.”
Ms Trad did not take questions from journalists.
The corruption watchdog has been assessing a complaint by Opposition education spokesman Jarrod Bleijie since November last year, when he alleged Ms Trad interfered in the appointment of the Inner City South State Secondary College principal in her electorate.
Ms Trad has previously denied she had anything to do with the decision to appoint Kirsten Ferdinands instead of Tracey Cook – who had earlier been chosen to head the new $120 million college – following a meeting she had with Ms Cook.
Ms Ferdinands was appointed principal for the new Dutton Park school that falls within Ms Trad’s South Brisbane electorate.
The Premier will take on Ms Trad’s duties of treasurer and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Partnerships minister.
“Last night the Deputy Premier advised me of her decision to stand aside while this investigation proceeds,” Ms Palaszczuk said in a brief statement yesterday.
“I accept that her decision is the correct course of action.
“I will be assuming her ministerial duties until further notice.”
Labor sources say Health Minister Steven Miles is likely to be appointed deputy premier while retaining his current portfolio.
Labor state secretary Julie-Ann Campbell did not return calls yesterday.
The CCC yesterday confirmed the investigation.
“It is important to note all allegations should be treated as unsubstantiated until a final outcome is reached,” a statement read.
“Considering the investigation remains ongoing, it is not appropriate for the CCC to comment further on this matter.”
Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington called for the Premier to sack Ms Trad from her Cabinet.
“Enough is enough – it’s time for Annastacia Palaszczuk to show some leadership and lift her weak ministerial standards,” she said.
“Queensland deserves more than a temporary Treasurer especially during the coronavirus crisis.
“Jackie Trad is such a powerful figure, any temporary Treasurer would just be Trad’s puppet.
“We need political stability during the coronavirus crisis – this is a chaos caused by Annastacia Palaszczuk’s weak ministerial standards.”
Mr Bleijie echoed Ms Frecklington, claiming Ms Trad should have been “sacked” months ago.
“Jackie Trad has had too many chances but because we have a weak Premier, and a weak Premier is afraid to act on Jackie Trad,” he said.
“We are now in the middle of an economic catastrophe and crisis and we have a temporary Treasurer.
“Queenslanders don’t want a temporary treasurer.”
Mr Bleijie said the Opposition referred four matters to the CCC alleging Ms Trad had “personally interfered with the selection of a school principal in her own electorate”.
Left Faction heavyweight and union boss Gary Bullock said: “This is the right decision to ensure the State Government can focus on the priorities of managing the COVID-19 response.
“Jackie Trad has always been and continues to be a strong advocate for working people.”
AMWU state secretary Rohan Webb told The Sunday Mail he supported Ms Trad, who had “done the right thing for working Queenslanders” by ensuring the investigation was not a distraction.
“We look forward to the matter being resolved quickly,” he said.
A senior source from Labor’s Right was scathing.
“It’s disappointing that Jackie Trad has allowed claims about her integrity to undermine the good work of the Government for so long,” the source said.
It is understood an ALP meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night when candidates will be endorsed ahead of the October poll.
“The big question now is whether her (Trad) endorsement will proceed and there are some real doubts about whether that’s appropriate in the circumstances,” the source said.
“The Right are frustrated that this has been allowed to go on for so long.”
Originally published as Jackie Trad steps aside as treasurer amid CCC probe