The Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) has completed a misconduct investigation into three corruption allegations raised by former Minister of the Crown Gordon Nuttall.
In all instances, the CMC has found no evidence of any wrongdoing related to the following allegations:
- [#1] that former Premier Peter Beattie inappropriately appointed former Minister Mr Bob Gibbs to the position of Trade Commissioner in Los Angeles in contravention of the Electoral Act 1992.
- [#2] that Premier Anna Bligh inappropriately appointed former Premier Peter Beattie to a Trade Commissioner’s position in London, later changing this to Los Angeles, in contravention of the Criminal Code; and
- [#3] the direct appointment of a former Director-General of Queensland Health in 2005 was inappropriate.
The three allegations were included in a total of eight made by Mr Nuttall, as tabled in State Parliament by Independent Member for Burnett Robert Messenger MP, on 10 May this year.
The CMC assessed five of the allegations as requiring no further action. The decision to investigate the remaining three was made in the public interest after Mr Nuttall refused to provide further information to the CMC.
The investigation’s primary purpose was to gather information to determine what further action, if any, was required, to ensure public confidence in the State’s electoral and administrative systems.
Allegation #1: this matter was the subject of a previous investigation conducted by the former Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) in 2000. The CMC has reviewed the CJC’s investigation and on the basis of its further recent inquiries, is satisfied with the original conclusion that the allegation is not substantiated. The appointment was made in accordance with the law. There is no new evidence to alter the original findings of the 2000 CJC investigation.
Allegation #2: Premier Bligh submitted to the investigation that at no time did she offer an inducement to former Premier Beattie to leave politics. According to the Premier, Mr Beattie was never considered for the position of Trade Commissioner in London and the offer of a position in Los Angeles was made five months after Mr Beattie had resigned. The advice of the Integrity Commissioner was also sought on these matters. The CMC had contact with Mr Nuttall to explore his knowledge of the circumstances of the appointment. The CMC has not found any information to substantiate the allegation and has determined that there was no inappropriate action on the part of Premier Bligh.
Allegation #3: the direct appointment of a former Director-General of Queensland Health in 2005 was made in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Public Service Act 1996. The relevant directives provided the office of the Premier with the discretionary power to fill the role of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) without advertising in the Queensland Government Gazette or establishing a selection committee. There is no evidence that the appointment was motivated by any improper purpose.
ENDS
