Disturbing Comments By Seeney On CMC

Media Release.

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk says Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney needs to quickly clarify his disturbing remarks about the independent Crime and Misconduct Commission.

Ms Palaszczuk said Mr Seeney needed to spell out exactly what he meant when he claimed today that “…the CMC continues to allow itself to be drawn into the political process...”.

Mr Seeney was further quoted as saying: "I think we in the government need to look at the legislation to see what we can do about it."

“By talking about new laws covering the CMC, Mr Seeney seems to be suggesting the LNP government wants to curtail the scope and powers of the independent corruption watchdog,” she said.

“Does he want to prevent the CMC from examining matters linked to politicians or a political office?

“If so, then his plans are diametrically opposed to the original intent of the Fitzgerald reforms that gave rise to the CMC and its predecessors.

“The CMC is reviewed by the bi-partisan Parliamentary Crime and Misconduct Committee once in every term of State Parliament.

“If Mr Seeney is suggesting some other review, he needs to tell Queenslanders why it is needed.

“Mr Seeney needs to clarify his remarks, and clarify them as quickly as possible,” Ms Palaszczuk said.