Rows hit PUP-led Senate inquiry into Newman government

WITNESSES may not be covered by parliamentary privilege at the Clive Palmer-­inspired Senate inquiry into the Newman government.

WITNESSES may not be covered by parliamentary privilege at the controversial Clive Palmer-­inspired Senate inquiry into the Newman government, with its opening hearing yesterday dogged by committee infighting.

Corruption allegations surrounding the renovation of a Gold Coast toilet block dominated the first day of testimony even though it emerged funding for the development had been handled by the previous Bligh Labor government.

Coalition senators constantly interjected during the day of the inquiry, complaining about the failure of submissions being provided ahead of the hearing, relevance of testimony and legal exposure of witnesses.

At the hearing on the Gold Coast, chaired by PUP senator Glenn Lazarus, Liberal senator James McGrath said inquiry processes had not been followed and there was now a dispute over whether witnesses were protected by parliamentary privilege.

Describing the inquiry as a PUP-led “witch-hunt” that was supported by federal Labor and the Greens, Senator McGrath said the matter had now been referred to the parliamentary privileges committee for determination.

The lack of protection of witnesses had been raised at an ­earlier meeting, which was shut down by Senator Lazarus, who repeatedly told witnesses during the 3½-hour hearing that they were covered by privilege.

The first day of the inquiry, ­opposed by Queensland Labor leader Annastacia Palasczcak, heard testimony from a range of environmental or heritage groups on the Gold Coast.

Two of the witnesses gave evidence about projects that are still only proposed.

Local businessman Innes Larkin appeared over his concerns about coal seam gas development on the Gold Coast hinterland which the Newman government has publicly opposed since before being elected.

Mr Larkin conceded that Campbell Newman had personally written to him assuring CSG would not go ahead in the region — announcing it as government policy — but that he still had concerns with a legislative ban.

“What more do you want, do you want him to come in and sign it in blood and become a blood brother?,” Liberal senator Ian MacDonald asked.

Earlier, local Don Magin alleged that the Southport Surf Club had made a fraudulent application for federal funding to renovate a 1930s toilet block which had been helped by the local council and state government.

“They achieved the funds improperly,” he said.

Nationals senator Barry O’Sullivan called for the evidence to be given behind closed doors, which was rejected by Senator Lazarus.

“Now you can overrule me again, as you’ve done, the people of this club today have devoted their lives as honorary members are sitting here listening to these allegations being made.”

Mr Magin later conceded that the funding application had been handled by the former Bligh Labor government and not the Newman government, which is supposed to be the subject of the inquiry.

After the hearing, Senator O’Sullivan said the inquiry was a “disgrace” and was costing taxpayers up to $50,000 a day.

“It was like a Nimbin reunion,” he said.