QLD anti-corruption body calls for reform after losing case
Queensland's anti-corruption watchdog is calling for urgent law changes after losing a legal fight over the release of a report into the state's former public trustee. In a unanimous ruling, the High Court has dismissed the CCC’s appeal. The chair of the watchdog says the inability to report on matters uncovered in investigations reduces transparency.
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TVTranscript
00:00 A high stakes case.
00:02 Today is judgement day when it comes to openness and transparency.
00:07 In 2018, the state's public trustee, Peter Kahn,
00:11 was investigated by the Crime and Corruption Commission.
00:14 No criminal action was pursued and he later resigned.
00:18 But the CCC did draft a report on alleged misbehaviour,
00:21 handing it to a parliamentary committee to release publicly.
00:25 After Mr Kahn won an appeal to suppress the report,
00:28 the watchdog took its fight to the nation's highest court.
00:32 If the Kahn decision were to stand,
00:35 then there would definitely be concern, I think,
00:39 in terms of what we would be able to do in the future,
00:42 in terms of being open and transparent.
00:46 But in a unanimous ruling,
00:47 the High Court has dismissed the CCC's appeal,
00:50 binding there is no provision of the Crime and Corruption Act
00:53 which authorises a report of this nature.
00:56 What this unanimous decision by the High Court tells us
00:59 is that there are certain reports that can be published
01:03 and other reports that can be given to prosecuting authorities
01:06 or the Attorney-General.
01:07 It now means that an inquiry that just falls short
01:10 of the very high bar of corruption,
01:13 now no longer can be publicly released.
01:15 The CCC is now seeking urgent law changes,
01:18 writing to the Attorney-General.
01:20 In a statement, it says it has always reported
01:23 on significant matters related to its investigations.
01:27 Having the ability to do so is vital to raise integrity standards
01:31 and reduce corruption risks in Queensland.
01:34 Chairman Bruce Barber argues the inability to report on matters
01:38 uncovered in such investigations reduces transparency
01:41 and is clearly not in the public interest.
01:44 The opposition supports law changes,
01:46 saying the decision could have implications
01:48 for the release of other reports,
01:50 including one involving former Deputy Premier Jackie Tratt.
01:53 The government says it's examining the judgment.
01:56 I understand the Attorney-General will take advice on what this means
01:59 and obviously consult with the CCC.
02:01 Mr Barber is set to meet with the Parliamentary Committee on Friday.
02:05 [BLANK_AUDIO]