Queensland's integrity commissioner is supporting calls for a formal review of potential interference by its oversight body, saying the current governance arrangement compromises her office.
Outgoing commissioner Nikola Stepanov said it was essential the public had "absolute confidence" that the office of the Queensland integrity commissioner (QIC) was free to operate without "undue interference by any person or entity".
"Given the independence and importance of the position of integrity commissioner, it is not appropriate that the Public Service Commission (PSC) has authority over the budget, staff and resources provided to support the integrity commissioner," she said.
"The provision of financial and administrative support for the integrity commissioner through the PSC creates the potential for conflicts of interest to arise between the two entities' functions.
"Further, the current governance arrangements operate in a such a way as to place the integrity commissioner in a position of inherent vulnerability, due to dependence on the PSC exercising its considerable powers in a judicious manner."
The PSC is responsible for the QIC's budget, staffing and resources — a governance arrangement not replicated for any other integrity agency in the state.
The PSC is supported by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet in relation to information technology services and a range of other support services.
"I understand from media reports yesterday that there have been calls for a formal review or investigation into the way that the PSC has discharged their functions and responsibilities in relation to the office of the integrity commissioner in recent times. I support that call," Ms Stepanov said.
In Parliament last September, Ms Palaszczuk said certain matters had been referred to the CCC after she was asked in Question Time whether the PSC had allegedly interfered with the office of the Integrity Commission by confiscating a laptop from the QIC office and wiping data.
The Premier said certain matters had been referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC).
At the time, the CCC confirmed it had received complaints containing allegations of corrupt conduct relating to the Office of the QIC.
Last week, Dr Stepanov gave notice to the Premier she would be finishing up in the job on July 4.
Ms Stepanov said the timing of her resignation last week and the resignation of CCC chair Alan MacSporran this week was coincidental.
"My resignation has been considered and planned for some time and could not be regarded as unexpected," she said.
However, Ms Stepanov implied details of her resignation had been leaked to the media after she gave notice last Wednesday.
"As soon as practicable after receiving a signed notice of resignation the Premier must give the notice to the Governor, and a copy to the Speaker and the chairperson of the Parliamentary Economics and Governance Committee (PEGC)," she said.
"I understand that details of my confidential notice were provided to the media before the statutory processes had been completed."
Opposition backs QIC oversight probe
State Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said the LNP supported a full and independent inquiry into the PSC's dealings with the Integrity Commission.
Mr Crisafulli also questioned whether a laptop had been taken from the office of the integrity commissioner and if any information had been wiped.
"These are serious allegations and I understand the magnitude of what we're asking for," he said.
"Integrity matters, accountability matters and the actions that we have seen in recent times demands what the integrity commissioner has had the ticker to call for."
When asked at a press conference in Cairns if he supported an investigation, Deputy Premier Steven Miles said he understood the CCC is investigating the matters that had been raised.
"That is an independent body investigating this matter and so it seems to me that request has already been fulfilled," he said.
Review tabled last year
A spokesperson for Ms Palaszczuk said certain matters were under consideration by the CCC and it would not appropriate for the Premier to comment further.
The spokesperson said the Government would thoroughly consider any recommendations made by the economic and governance committee in response to a report that looked at the Integrity Commissioner's function.
The report was conducted by Kevin Yearbury and tabled in parliament last year.
"This review examined all structural and operational aspects of the Integrity Commissioner as well as its relationship with public sector entities, relevant ministers, assistant ministers, the parliamentary committee and the Legislative Assembly," the spokesperson said.
"The Integrity Commissioner contributed to that review.
"The Integrity Commissioner noted in her 2020–21 Annual report that the 'Strategic Review provides a timely and appropriate forum for the governance arrangements, as well as other aspects of the functions of the QIC, to be considered by parliament'."
