Calls for Royal Commission into Queensland Government Activity

Media release

The Federal leader of the Palmer United Party and Member for Fairfax, Clive Palmer, has supported calls from broadcaster Alan Jones for a public inquiry into the activities of the Queensland government.

Mr Jones told his audience today on Macquarie Radio that the Crime and Misconduct Commission in Queensland was being “emasculated” by the Newman government.

“It doesn’t any longer require bipartisan support, so the Newman government can stack it,” he said.

“And now, in Queensland, if there’s a complaint against an individual, there’s nobody to refer it to. This, I’m telling you, is Royal Commission territory.”

Mr Jones continued: “The former Queensland corruption fighter Tony Fitzgerald, has unloaded on the Newman government. He’s called them inexperienced, arrogant fools. He says the changes to the Crime and Misconduct Commission trash the legacy of the Fitzgerald inquiry into corruption.”

Mr Jones also cited the case of Gympie MP David Gibson, saying: “You have not seen anything like this in any government anywhere in Australia.”

Mr Palmer said matters Mr Jones referred to on his radio program today, including the role of the head of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, John Grayson, in establishing Australian Water Holdings in Queensland deserved further investigation.

“I think these are serious matters that have been mentioned at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in New South Wales,” Mr Palmer said.

“They require the examination from a full Royal Commission and I call upon Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Greens Leader Christine Milne to set up a Royal Commission into the Queensland government.”

Mr Palmer said (ICAC) has also heard that while Premier Campbell Newman was Brisbane Lord Mayor, he demanded a $5000 donation in return for meeting the chief executive of Australian Water Holdings, Nick Di Girolamo.

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