Tony Fitzgerald to head Crime and Corruption Commission Inquiry

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced a Commission of Inquiry into aspects of Queensland’s Crime and Corruption Commission as recommended by the Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee.

Fittingly, it will be chaired by the man who created the body along with retired Supreme Court Judge The Honourable Alan Wilson QC.

“It is clear a review of the CCC is needed,” the Premier said.

“Who better than Tony Fitzgerald to conduct it?”

Mr Fitzgerald headed the historic inquiry that uncovered systemic corruption in Queensland 35 years ago.

He established the Criminal Justice Commission, later renamed the CCC, to continue the work of his inquiry.

The Premier said Mr Fitzgerald would conduct the Commission of Inquiry recommended by the Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee.

The terms of reference are based on recommendation six of the PCCC report:

The committee recommends the Queensland Government instigate a review of the CCC’s structure in regards to its investigatory and charging functions, and the role of seconded police officers at the CCC, as a Commission of Inquiry or similar, to be headed by senior counsel of sufficient standing to consider this structural basis of the CCC that has its roots in the Fitzgerald Inquiry.

The Premier said a vital consideration of the Commission of Review is its independence from the government.

“No-one can argue about Tony Fitzgerald’s independence,” the Premier said.

“To do its job, the public must have absolute confidence in the CCC and this Commission of Inquiry.”

The Commission of Inquiry is expected to take no more than six months.

Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman said Queensland owed Tony Fitzgerald a debt it could never repay.

“I am sure there is no-one Queensland trusts more with this important work.”