LNP proposes laws to release corruption probe into Jackie Trad

Queensland’s LNP has ramped up pressure on Annastacia Palaszczuk to give the state’s corruption watchdog the powers it has asked for.

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

A secret report into former Queensland deputy premier Jackie Trad and the alleged politicisation of the public service would be released under draft laws introduced to parliament by the state opposition.

Ramping up pressure on Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to give the state’s corruption watchdog the powers it has asked for, Liberal National Party justice spokesman Tim Nicholls introduced a Private Members Bill on Wednesday.

Ms Palaszczuk has refused to commit to demands of the Crime and Corruption Commission for immediate law changes to allow the release of its reports into Ms Trad and former public trustee Peter Carne.

CCC boss Bruce Barbour wrote to the government on September 13 seeking urgent law changes to allow the publication of findings from its investigations.

His pleas followed a High Court decision last month that muzzled the watchdog from publicly reporting on most of its investigations into ­politicians and public servants.

In the first piece of legislation introduced by the LNP opposition since May 2020, laws would be overhauled to “remedy the deficiency in the reporting powers” of the CCC.

Mr Nicholls said the CCC must have power to publish findings from its investigations, to promote transparency and accountability: “By failing to act, and failing to act urgently, Palaszczuk-Labor is acting only to protect itself, protect its Labor mates and protect its re-election prospects.”

Ms Palaszczuk told parliament on Wednesday: “The Attorney-General is seeking legal advice. The Attorney-General will update cabinet when she has received that advice.”