Editorial: David Crisafulli sets the tone early for integrity overhaul

David Crisafulli deserves a lot of credit for tackling integrity issues head-on in his first few days in the job, writes the editor.

Premier David Crisafulli with the official premiers’ portfolio of incoming government briefs. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

Premier David Crisafulli has made a strong start in doing the right thing on basic ministerial accountability – a topic that was a source of criticism for the outgoing Palaszczuk/Miles administration. We hope he sticks to these lofty goals when things will inevitably get tough in government.

Mr Crisafulli said on Tuesday he would have newly drafted ministerial charters ready to deliver to his new cabinet when the ministers are sworn in today. Those charters, he said, would contain three things: the values each department should be run by, policies and commitments made during the election campaign, and an “overall framework” of the Westminster principles he wanted his government to abide by.

Even better, Mr Crisafulli said these charters would be publicly released – and enforced through demotions to the backbench if any ministers failed to adhere to them.

This is such a stark contrast to the situation in the Palaszczuk years, where loyalty to her colleagues was elevated above holding ministers to account – and she allowed them to stay on the front bench far longer than their performance and their behaviour should have justified.

Another issue was the culture of superiority that was allowed to grow and then fester inside state cabinet. Again, in contrast, Mr Crisafulli plans to ensure his ministers keep their feet firmly on the ground by forcing them to spend time “connecting with the stakeholders, their bureaucracies and with the community”. As Mr Crisafulli rightly says: “You won’t find them (the stakeholders) sitting at the desk where the minister is – you’ve got to go out and meet them.” This is a good move.

We also welcome the Premier’s vow to overhaul the way the Budget Estimates process plays out each year. It was a system designed to be where ministers have to justify and account for the public spending they are responsible for, but over the years it has become – in Mr Crisafulli’s words – “a protection racket for bad ministers”.

His starting point will be to have an independent chair for each committee, rather than the current situation where that role is held by a government MP – who can then easily use the position to shut down any awkward questioning of their ministerial colleagues.

“I don’t want to give my troops a get-out-of-jail-free card,” the Premier said on Tuesday. “I want them to answer tough questions.”

This is all very welcome indeed. But we have also been around long enough to not be too Pollyanna when it comes to promises made by incoming premiers and prime ministers. We have seen too many who have started with the best of intentions withdraw them after a few months or years of having to deal with the criticism and exposure that inevitably comes with their well-meaning commitment to transparency and accountability.

But we live in hope – and also take heart from the Premier’s first-day missive to the state’s public servants where he recommitted to a return not only to the concept of their frank and fearless advice being welcomed by the executive, but also to government ministers having to get out of their comfy digs at 1 William Street and spend time with the departmental troops in their less-well appointed office buildings scattered around the Brisbane CBD.

Premier Crisafulli deserves a lot of credit for tackling these integrity issues head-on in his first few days in the job. He has set the tone, the very thing that’s the critical building block to good organisational culture that was identified – in respected Professor Peter Coaldrake’s 2022 review of the state’s public sector – as having gone sideways in the Palaszczuk years. “The tone set at the top is essential,” Mr Coaldrake wrote not once, but three times, in his final report – where he also advised: “Culture is shaped by leaders. Their tone will be a precondition for success.”

As Premier, Mr Crisafulli has so far set the right tone on these issues. We hope he stays the course.

WALSH’S HEART IS HERE

Yesterday’s signing of superstar Reece Walsh to the richest deal in Broncos history is a massive step forward for a team needing to rebuild after the disappointment of the 2024 season.

Walsh is the undisputed glamour boy of the NRL and his marketability coupled with his brilliant on-field skills will be a critical component of the club’s drive to rebuild.

The 22-year-old Origin fullback yesterday emphasised his desire to seal a long-term deal with the Broncos in the hope of delivering the club’s first premiership since 2006.

But Walsh also revealed a much more personal reason yesterday to stay in Brisbane.

“I’m playing for more than just myself,” said Walsh, while holding daughter Leila in his arms at the Broncos’ Red Hill HQ.

“Knowing I will be close to her for the next four to five years, that makes it easier for me to be able to focus on footy, work hard and put all my eggs into the right basket.”

It is clear Walsh is motivated to succeed and the $5m, five-year deal could be the spark the club desperately needs. If Walsh helps deliver a premiership, fans will agree he is worth every cent.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here

Originally published as Editorial: David Crisafulli sets the tone early for integrity overhaul