Moonlight State

Thirty years ago tonight, serious allegations about police corruption and misconduct were brought into the homes of ordinary Queenslanders.

ABC Four Corners broadcast the landmark “Moonlight State”, compiled by investigative journalist Chris Masters.

The following day the then Acting Premier Bill Gunn announced there would be an inquiry – the Commission of Inquiry into Possible Illegal Activities and Associated Police Misconduct.

As Commissioner Tony Fitzgerald stated in his final report – delivered two years later – the program “suggested that something was badly amiss with the policing of gambling, organized prostitution and drug trafficking in Brisbane, particularly in Fortitude Valley. The “Moonlight State” suggested the Police Force had been ignoring and perhaps condoning significant criminal activity for a long time.”

On behalf of Queenslanders, I pay tribute to those honest serving and former policemen and women who resisted the temptation of corruption and had the courage to speak up before and to the Fitzgerald Inquiry.

I acknowledge the role of the media, including of course Chris Masters and Phil Dickie, and the members of the wider community for bringing these allegations to light.

This was a dark chapter in Queensland’s history.

The Fitzgerald Inquiry and the ensuing reforms must serve as a reminder of the vigilance needed to ensure our public institutions, and those who work within them, serve the interests of all Queenslanders not a select or privileged few.

Link to the final Fitzgerald Inquiry report http://www.ccc.qld.gov.au/about-the-ccc/the-fitzgerald-inquiry