The Queensland Government has bolstered the powers of the state’s corruption watchdog.
Legislative amendments – contained in a bill which passed parliament recently – will empower the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission to publish reports and make statements at any time concerning investigations into the public sector.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the reforms would unshackle the commission and increase transparency. “The CCC will have powers to release information publicly about corruption investigations, including its handling of individual corruption complaints.”
The Crime and Corruption (Restoring Reporting Powers) Amendment Bill 2025 will not only empower the CCC to publish future reports, but it will also retrospectively validate the preparation and publication of all past public reports and statements – including investigation reports.
When releasing information, the CCC will be required to consider specific criteria such as the need for accountability and transparency in government and the seriousness of the corruption allegations.
The legislation also requires the CCC to table reports directly through the Speaker and continue to provide copies to the Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee and the Attorney-General.
“By restoring the CCC’s powers to make public statements and reports, we are taking a critical step to restore public trust in our institutions and system of government,” Frecklington said. “Queenslanders have a right to know that corruption engaged in by public sector and elected officials has been dealt with appropriately, transparently, and in accordance with the law.”
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