Queensland’s council lobby has welcomed an inquiry into the state’s corruption watchdog. 

The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) says the announcement of a Commission of Inquiry into the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC), to be headed by Tony Fitzgerald AC QC, is a critical step in restoring confidence in this important institution.

Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) President, Sunshine Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Jamieson, thanked State Cabinet for today agreeing to call a Commission of Inquiry into the CCC, as recommended following last year’s damning Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee (PCCC) Inquiry.

“The bipartisan PCCC Inquiry into the matter involving former Logan councillors found serious failings in the CCC’s operations, corporate governance and culture,” Cr Jamieson said.

“The Inquiry was established after a complaint by the LGAQ, and it found the CCC miscarried in its decision to charge the former councillors.

“It found the CCC breached its duty under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 to act at all times independently and impartially.

“It found the CCC exceeded the limits of its powers under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2010.

“Queensland needs to have a fearless CCC that is thorough, rigorous and robust.

“But it must have adequate checks and balances to preserve its own reputation and trust with the public, and to ensure it is not abusing its extensive powers.

“This Commission of Inquiry is the right move to ensure those failings are corrected and that processes are put in place to stop the failings outlined by the PCCC’s Inquiry from happening again.

“We thank the State Government for announcing it will be adopting all recommendations of the PCCC, including this crucial inquiry.”