We could have done things better: Annastacia Palaszczuk

After a week of scathing integrity allegations from former senior public servants, the premier vows to investigate complaints.

Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced a QC would conduct an independent review into complaints. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

Annastacia Palaszczuk has conceded “things could have been done better” following a fortnight of scathing integrity allegations from former senior public servants.

Former State Archivist Mike Summerrell and outgoing Integrity Commissioner Nikola Stepanov have both alleged political interference in their offices.

Other former staffers have come forward, alleging they were pushed out of their jobs after raising complaints or questioning actions of their superiors.

“What we have heard over the past week, I acknowledge some things could have been done better,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Obviously some people have grievances and some people don’t feel they were listened to and I don’t want that.

“I want them to be listened to and make sure the matters they raise are investigated.”

Ms Palaszczuk announced a QC would conduct an independent review into concerns raised by Mr Summerrell including that his annual reports to the parliament were interfered with and that he was stymied by senior government officials when investigating suspected breaches of the Public Records Act.

“As soon as that report is completed, it will be immediately released, it will not be looked at by government or cabinet (first).”

Ms Palaszczuk has also asked the director-general of her department to write to all public servants on Monday to tell them they “should feel confident” to be able to raise complaints.

She said the QC’s independent review would not examine allegations a laptop was seized from Dr Stepanov’s office last year by officials of the Public Service Commission.

Ms Palaszczuk said that matter was being investigated by the Crime and Corruption Commission, which she maintains was appropriate despite the watchdog itself being subject of a commission of inquiry.

Work on the organisation-wide review of the CCC began on Monday, headed by veteran corruption buster Tony Fitzgerald. The inquiry was recommended by a bipartisan parliamentary committee that found the CCC had at times not acted “independently and impartially”.

Ms Palaszczuk has also pledged to publicly release a 2017 report by former state archivist Mike Summerrell into government record keeping, which it has kept secret for five years.

Mr Summerrell last week alleged key recommendations from the report were blocked by the Palaszczuk government after the 2017 state election.

The report makes 15 recommendations including better independence protections for the state archivist, law changes to ensure all official business discussed on private emails or social media were forwarded to official accounts within 20 days and a new strike force to monitor compliance.

Ms Palaszczuk said all recommendations had been implemented or were in progress.