Court blocks release of Queensland corruption claims

The High Court has ruled Queensland’s anti-corruption watchdog cannot publicly air allegations involving a former senior public servant, potentially assisting a similar case brought by the state’s former treasurer.

The Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) was granted leave in December last year to challenge a Queensland Court of Appeal decision that the commission’s draft report on Peter Carne was not subject to parliamentary privilege and could not be released.

The full bench of the High Court delivered its judgment on Wednesday and dismissed the appeal with costs.

“The facts do not support a finding that the Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee elected to keep the (CCC’s) October draft for the purpose of transacting its business,” the judgment said.

Former Queensland treasurer Jackie Trad is fighting to stop the commission releasing a report on allegations she intervened in the recruitment of a senior public servant in 2019.

Ms Trad’s case had been adjourned awaiting an outcome in the CCC’s appeal.

Mr Carne held the position of Public Trustee of Queensland from 2009 to 2014, a role that involves holding powers of attorney over citizens who cannot manage their own affairs as well as managing deceased estates and holding unclaimed money.

– AAP