After Fentiman outlined several cases where former LNP government ministers were also given indemnity support,Nicholls said:“In all those previous matters,though,the indemnity was used as a shield”.
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“It wasn’t used as a sword,and in this instance,it’s being used as a sword to prevent the release of a report,” he added.
In March,the former deputy premier said the legal action was “not taken lightly” but she “felt compelled” to take it,declining to comment further until the matter and final costs had been decided.
It is unclear what,if any,findings were made against Trad by the subsequent report.
Selection panel processes for recruiting top public servants were altered quietly last June in a move Public Service Commission chief Rob Setter said was sparked by matters considered by the CCC.
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Despite repeatedly declining to outline costs incurred under the indemnity scheme so far in the Trad matter,Fentiman denied she was “refusing” to do so,and said she was happy to do so once the matter was finalised.
“Every cost in this matter must be certified by the Crown solicitor that they are reasonable,” Fentiman said.
Costs incurred by the CCC itself havealready been detailed,along withthose of parliament. The hearing was told the CCC’s costsfighting similar action fromformer Public Trustee and Labor identity Peter Carne had totalled about $109,000.
CCC chair Bruce Barbour also told the hearing details about the anti-corruption agency’s actions around the Queensland Building and Construction Commission.
The CCC received 30 complaints about the QBCC or its board in the past year — almost double the previous period. Most came from within the QBCC,with one still under investigation and five matters under ongoing CCC review or monitoring. One saw a staff member sacked.
The opposition has repeatedly called for minister Mick de Brenni to explain the situation at the building watchdog or resign. Questioned at a later press conference,de Brenni said he was unaware of and unconcerned by the complaints,accusing the LNP of a campaign against the QBCC.
Speaking from Townsville on Wednesday,Palaszczuk said de Brenni had her support. She also said government action on calls by theCoaldrake report andIntegrity Commissioner review would happen this year.
The report of Tony Fitzgerald QC’sprobe into the CCC itselfis due for release next week.
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