Government to consider CMC report findings

Premier Campbell Newman says the Government will consider recommendations from the Callinan and Aroney report into the CMC after releasing the summary of conclusions and recommendations.

Mr Newman said some serious issues were raised within the report and it was clear these matters needed to be addressed.

“There are certainly some significant issues, particularly in relation to the structure within the CMC and the manner in which complaints are referred to the CMC,” Mr Newman said.

“The report questioned the high number of complaints referred to the CMC and the possibility of complainants providing a statutory declaration to confirm the complaint is not baseless and matters remain confidential.

“The report also recommends prosecuting people who make vexatious and baseless complaints.

“We have seen too many complaints played out in the media and the recommendations raise the question of publicity given to matters before the CMC, through the media.”

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said extensive consideration would be given to the report in light of the recommendations provided by Mr Ian Callinan and Professor Nicholas Aroney.

“We thank former High Court Judge Mr Callinan and Prof Aroney for conducting the report and providing these recommendations,” Mr Bleijie said.

“It is no secret that the government has had concerns about how the CMC was used and abused by the previous Labor Government and the public manner in which complaints were being made and dealt with.”

Some of the key findings and recommendations raised in the summary include:

·         An administrative restructure of the CMC because it is becoming increasingly bureaucratic and is focused too much on education instead of investigation

·         The majority of complaints referred to the CMC were trivial, vexatious and misdirected

·         That it should be an offence for any person, including a CMC officer, to disclose that a complaint has been made to the CMC

·         Most hearings between the PCMC and CMC should be held in public, and to do otherwise would contradict the transparency for which the CMC stands

·         The Parliamentary Commissioner ought to have the statutory power, and the resources, to investigate all complaints of official misconduct within the CMC

·         Concerns about the CMC’s belief that it has a right to educate others in integrity when it has also been shown to be lacking in transparency, referencing the Fitzgerald Inquiry bungle

          ·          An implementation panel should be established consisting of the Public Service Commissioner, the Chairperson of the CMC and two others, including a senior lawyer

“The Government has already resolved to introduce this last recommendation to ensure the appropriate reforms are undertaken,” Mr Bleijie said.

“It is critical that the state has an independent statutory body to oversee crime and misconduct and the Newman Government is committed to ensuring it maintains this role.

“Furthermore, we want to make sure this body is able to operate efficiently while maintaining the highest level of integrity, by being open and accountable itself.”

A summary of the report can be found at www.justice.qld.gov.au/cmareview

[ENDS] 3 April 2013