Gagged corruption watchdog wants law changed to release Jackie Trad report

Queensland‘s corruption watchdog is calling for the Palaszczuk government to urgently change the law to authorise the release of an explosive report into former Deputy Premier Jackie Trad.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and then treasurer Jackie Trad in 2019. Picture: AAP

Queensland‘s corruption watchdog is calling for the Palaszczuk government to urgently change the law to authorise the release of an explosive report into former Deputy Premier Jackie Trad and the alleged politicisation of the state’s public service.

Crime and Corruption Commission chair Bruce Barbour told a parliamentary committee he had directly appealed to Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath following a landmark High Court decision that muzzled the watchdog from publicly reporting on most of its investigations into ­politicians and public servants.

After a protracted legal battle, the High Court on Wednesday ruled a draft CCC report into former Public Trustee Peter Carne should not be published.

The decision sets a precedent for a similar case brought by Ms Trad to suppress a CCC report into her alleged interference in the appointment of a senior public servant.

Unless the government acts to change the laws, findings from the probe into Ms Trad will remain secret.

Mr Barbour on Friday said the law change needed to be retrospective to allow for the release of reports into Ms Trad, Mr Carne and “potentially other elements that we would like to also raise publicly”.

“I hold the view that any issue arising from an investigation, whether it be reports that have already been prepared or other things that we have not been able to report on during the period that this litigation has been running, we should be in a position to be able to report on,” he said.

Mr Barbour told the hearing that the CCC should be able to release investigation findings even if corrupt conduct is not found.

“We believe such reports serve the public interest and promote public confidence in the integrity of the public sector,” he said.

Ms Palaszczuk has not committed to changing laws, but told parliament on Thursday that Ms D’Ath was “seeking urgent legal advice”.

The Trad report, finalised in early 2021, stemmed from an investigation into the 2019 appointment of her under treasurer, Frankie Carroll, but was widened into a probe of recruitment across the ­bureaucracy since Ms Palaszczuk came to power in 2015.

It is understood the report did not recommend any charges against Ms Trad, who has denied wrongdoing, but was scathing about the politicisation of senior ranks of the public service.

A court order blocking reporting of Ms Trad’s Supreme Court action was lifted last year after a direct appeal a day earlier by The Australian to outgoing chief justice Catherine Holmes.

LNP deputy leader Jarrod Bleijie said law changes must be urgent and retrospective to ensure the High Court ruling does not enable Ms Trad to block the release of the report.