Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in Parliament this week.Credit:Matt Dennien
The watchdog is responsible for maintaining the state’s lobbyist register and is tasked with advising MPs,ministers and senior officials about ethics or integrity issues.
Dr Stepanov has reportedly raised concerns about the commission’s interference. Complaints include cutting staff,confiscation of phones and laptops,deletion of records,along with altered security permissions and access to the office,News Corp has reported.
In his first question on Thursday,Opposition Leader David Crisafulli asked Ms Palaszczuk if she could confirm any involvement either by her directly,or her office,in the “raid” .
“I can say no,” she responded.
Integrity Commissioner Dr Nikola Stepanov.Credit:Facebook
Mr Crisafulli asked who was in possession of the allegedly confiscated devices and records. Ms Palaszczuk responded by pointing to the comments from the Crime and Corruption Commission that it was looking into aspects of the matter.
“As the Leader of the Opposition knows,there is currently a review by Kevin Yearbury that will be tabled at the end of the month,” she said,referring to a five-yearly strategy review into the functions and set up of Dr Stepanov’s office.