The Crime and Corruption Commission’s (CCC) 2019-20 Annual Report has been tabled in State Parliament by the Attorney-General.
The report summarises our key activities, achievements and performance for the financial year ending 30 June 2020.
The report highlights the diverse, complex and unique work the CCC undertakes to combat major crime and reduce corruption for the benefit of the Queensland community.
Among the most significant outcomes of the 2019-20 financial year, the CCC:
- Charged 65 people with 285 criminal offences,
- Held 220 days of hearings and examined 265 witnesses relating to crime and corruption investigations, and
- Forfeited assets valued at $7.18M to the State after they were identified as the proceeds of crime.
CCC Chairperson Alan MacSporran QC said the outcomes from the 32 crime and intelligence investigations and 53 corruption investigations that were finalised during 2019-20 demonstrate the value and breadth of work the CCC completes as an independent agency.
“We have made excellent progress towards our vision for safe communities supported by fair and ethical institutions,” Mr MacSporran said.
“Due to the nature of the CCC’s investigations, not all of our work can be reported on publicly when it is occurring. I am pleased to be able to provide a more comprehensive update on our work in this annual report.”
Investigations targeted illicit markets and organised crime threats. The CCC prioritised crimes against children or other vulnerable victims, and crimes causing loss of life or serious injury, because of the devastating impacts on victims and their families.
Corruption investigations and prevention work focused on local governments and elected officials, the misuse of confidential information by public servants and police, and the exploitation of public sector resources.
“An important role for us is to identify systemic weaknesses in public sector administration or legislation, and propose improvements and reform to mitigate corruption risks,” Mr MacSporran said.
“Throughout 2019-20, there have been significant legislative changes in response to recommendations made by the CCC in our key focus areas.”
The Police Service Administration (Discipline Reform) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 was passed in October 2019.
“With the new legislation now in effect, I am confident that we will see more streamlined police disciplinary investigations, faster and more consistent outcomes being delivered, and enhanced CCC oversight of the QPS,” Mr MacSporran said.
“I believe the reforms will deliver a fairer and more efficient system, which is in the best interests of everyone involved.”
On 18 June 2020, the Electoral and Other Legislation (Accountability, Integrity and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2020 was passed, creating new obligations for candidates, councillors, donors and the Electoral Commission of Queensland. This includes new and clarified conflicts of interest requirements, and forms the basis of a more stringent regulatory framework.
“This legislation is part of continuing government reforms to implement recommendations from the CCC’s 2017 Operation Belcarra report, designed to strengthen transparency and integrity in local governments in Queensland,” Mr MacSporran said.
A copy of the 2019-20 Annual Report is now available on the CCC's website.
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