Crisafulli Govt Restores Power to Crime Commission
A FRESH START FOR QUEENSLAND Crisafulli Government restores power to Crime and Corruption Commission
The Crisafulli Government has ushered in a new era of openness and accountability with its landmark Crime and Corruption (Restoring Reporting Powers) Amendment Bill 2025 passing parliament tonight.
The Bill delivers on the Government’s election commitment for a fresh start for Queensland, with bolstered powers for the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) allowing it to report on corruption risks in Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government changes will empower the CCC to publish reports and make public statements at any time about investigations and corruption complaints.
The CCC has been powerless to publicly report on corruption matters since the High Court found it lacked the authority to do so under existing legislation in 2023 – with Labor failing to act to amend Queensland laws.
The new laws will not only empower the CCC to publish future reports, it will retrospectively validate the preparation and publication of all past public reports and statements, including investigation reports, that had to be removed from the CCC’s website under Labor.
To provide further transparency and accountability for decisions under the new reporting framework, the amendments also include additional safeguards and expanded procedural fairness requirements.
When releasing information publicly, the CCC will be required to consider specific criteria, including the need for accountability and transparency in government and the seriousness of the matter.
The former Labor Government also kept Queenslanders in the dark by refusing to make key reports prepared by the CCC relating to Jackie Trad and Peter Carne public.
Importantly, the CCC must now table reports directly through the Speaker and continue to provide copies to the Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee and the Attorney-General.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the reforms would unshackle the State’s corruption watchdog.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment for a stronger corruption watchdog by restoring powers for the CCC,” The Attorney-General said.
“The CCC will have powers to release information publicly about corruption investigations, including its handling of individual corruption complaints, just as we promised.
“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.
“Under the Miles-Palaszczuk Government, Queenslanders were kept in the dark and denied the transparency they deserve, but the days of Labor’s political protection racket are over,” the Attorney-General said.
“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.”
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/102489