Statement from Attorney-General and Minister for Justice

I’m pleased to announce that Mr Pat Vidgen PSM has agreed to step in as Acting Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission of Queensland. He begins May 18 2018.

Mr Vidgen has most recently been General Manager, Strategic Engagement with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation. He has 28 years experience working in the Queensland Public Sector and a wide range of senior executive roles. Mr Vidgen will offer ECQ a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience, and I thank him for stepping in to provide fresh eyes and stability for the organisation while the position is being filled permanently.

The recruitment and selection process for a permanent commissioner is underway.

In Parliament this morning I announced that the Crime and Corruption Commission had upheld five serious allegations made against the former Commissioner Walter van der Merwe. 

Mr van der Merwe resigned in February. 

This has obviously been a difficult time for all of the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) staff and those circumstances are by no means a reflection of ECQ staff more broadly. 

I thank ECQ staff for their continued dedication and commitment in delivering such an important service to our community and our system of Government in Queensland.

Media contact: 0417 675 917