Inquiry into Mark Bailey email may be independently monitored

The state government has responded to concerns over an internal review into an email from Transport Minister Mark Bailey’s office over train program costings.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey

The state government is considering appointing an independent adviser to monitor the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s investigation into Transport Minister Mark Bailey, amid questions about whether the internal review is appropriate.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk last week ordered a high-level review by Department of Premier and Cabinet Director-General Rachel Hunter into the circumstances around an email sent by Mr Bailey’s office to his department asking for a reference to a $2.4bn blowout be “deleted” from public view.

Ms Palaszczuk on Sunday defended the lack of independent oversight in the investigation and said Ms Hunter was appointed to lead the review because she was responsible for the public service staff involved.

However, it is understood Ms Hunter is considering options to ensure oversight of the review.

“Steps for an independent review of the email are under way,” a department spokesman said.

“It is not appropriate to make further comment at this time.”

Transport and Main Roads acting director-general Sally Stannard on Tuesday sensationally revealed the department received an email from Mr Bailey’s office on July 3, which asked TMR to delete the true $9.5bn cost of the Queensland Trains Manufacturing Program from its communication, even though the final deal was done.

In the email, Mr Bailey’s office crosses out a reference to the “$9.5 billion” investment in red, and asks the department to “delete reference to $9.5 billion and the largest investment in Qld’s history. Talk about the $4.6 billion contract with Downer …”

It appeared to conflict with Mr Bailey’s previous explanation that the publication of a press release with the old $7.1bn on June 30 was a “stuff-up” and an “error” – and the reason it was removed from a draft version by his office before being sent on to the Premier’s office was due to the contract not being signed.

Originally published as Inquiry into Mark Bailey email may be independently monitored