The Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) acknowledges the decision of the High Court of Australia in Crime & Corruption Commission v Carne [2023] HCA 28. The CCC will now seek urgent legislative amendments.
The CCC and its predecessor agencies have historically reported on significant matters relating to their investigations. Reporting has occurred when there has been a strong public interest in doing so and when there are issues uncovered in investigations that the public, public sector agencies and elected officials should be made aware of to raise integrity standards and to reduce corruption risks in Queensland.
It has done so on the understanding that it was empowered to report under its governing legislation, the Crime and Corruption Act. The High Court found that the CCC has no such power.
Having the ability to report on matters relating to its investigations is vital so the public, the public sector and elected officials can understand the reasons for and outcomes of CCC investigations.
The inability to report on matters uncovered in such investigations reduces transparency and is clearly not in the public interest.
It is for these reasons, the CCC will be seeking urgent legislative amendments. I have today written to the Attorney-General to initiate discussions on this issue.
The CCC is an independent agency combating major crime and reducing corruption for the benefit of the Queensland community.
Bruce Barbour
Chairperson
ENDS
