Review into Culture and Accountability

Professor Peter Coaldrake AO has been appointed to conduct a wide-ranging review into culture and accountability in the state’s public sector.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the review would have the power to make system-wide changes examining six key areas:

• The culture of the public service in ensuring ethical decision making and impartial advice to the Executive
• The nature of interactions and interdependencies between integrity bodies, the public service and the Executive
• Legislation underpinning the existing ethics and integrity framework
• Adequacy of systems to prevent ethical, accountability and integrity issues arising
• Adequacy of ethics training and communication and relevant policies
• Timeliness of processes to resolve ethical and integrity complaints

The Premier said periodic reviews are good for governments.

“It is always good to look at things with fresh eyes,” the Premier said.

“The 21st Century has brought rapid changes, not least in terms of technology. We need to address that

“People deserve a government that is fit for purpose, geared to their needs and focused on them.

“I welcome this independent review and look forward to Professor Coaldrake’s findings.”

The review builds on the 2019 Bridgeman Review.

Stage One of that review concentrated on the importance of employment security.

The next phase of the Government’s response to the Bridgeman Review is focused on the modernisation of the Public Service Act 2008.

It includes a focus on recommendations that relate to public sector ethics.

For the purposes of this review the Queensland Public Sector encompasses public service agencies and public service entities as defined in the Public Sector Ethics Act 1994.

Professor Coaldrake is a former Vice-Chancellor of the Queensland University of Technology and is currently Chief Commissioner of the federal government appointed Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency.

An interim report will be provided within two months.

A final report will be provided within four months. Both will be made public.