Review into ministers' use of email as MP deletes 20-year-old Yahoo account

A review has been launched into Queensland ministers' use of private email accounts, following revelations an unofficial account had been deleted.

The Australian revealed that Energy Minister Mark Bailey deleted a private Yahoo email account following reports he was contacted by the Electrical Trades Union over the merger of Energy Super and Victoria's Equip Super.

An application by the News Corp-owned publication for the release of correspondence under Right to Information laws was rejected on the grounds the minister's email account was "closed".

Ms Palaszczuk said if the law dictated that Mr Bailey retrieve his deleted account, then he must do it.

Energy Minister Mark Bailey said he deleted his private email address because he had no control over who emailed him.Credit: Glenn Hunt

"Pure and simple," Ms Palaszczuk said.

Ms Palaszczuk said she made it clear to her cabinet that all work-related calls and emails be conducted through their official phones and accounts.

She said she would ask the director-general of Premier and Cabinet to review the issue with ministerial services.

"I will come back to the house with the outcome of that investigation," she said.

Ms Palaszczuk said she would also write to her cabinet on the issue.

"I do expect these high standards."

Ms Palaszczuk was asked if she had a private email address and if she had ever used it for official purposes.

Her answer was simple: "Yes and no."

The LNP opposition produced emails from two staffers in the member for Springwood Mick de Brenni's office, showing they used Gmail accounts in corresponding with domestic violence stakeholders in December 2016.

Opposition Treasurer Scott Emerson asked how widespread the use of personal email accounts was for conducting official business, but Ms Palaszczuk did not directly answer the question.

Ms Palaszczuk said she was advised there was nothing inappropriate about the emails and described the use of Gmail as "inadvertent".

"The staff members involved were counselled on the appropriate use of information technology," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"It was brought to the minister's attention, it was immediately referred to the integrity commissioner."

Mr Bailey said he had his private email address for about 20 years and could not control who contacted him.

"It was my first email address, well before my time as a minister," he said.

"This means that many people from all walks of life have my email address."

Mr Bailey said he deleted his account so his only email account was his ministerial account.

He said the Premier did not order him to delete the account, but he had done so because he had "no control over who emails me".

Mr Bailey said he was not a decision-maker in relation to proposed merger, which he was contacted by the ETU boss about, and he made no representations about it.