The Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) has finalised their investigation of the complaint made by Katter’s Australian Party against Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and members of LNP, with scathing findings.

Annastacia Palaszczuk now faces being punished by State Parliament — or even referred for criminal prosecution over the allegations she threatened KAP MPs to apologise for a Federal Senator’s speech. This came about as a response to a demand in QLD Parliament from LNP Member for Warrego, Ann Leahy to review KAPs staffing arrangements. Ms Palaszczuk agreed that she would tear up an agreement with KAP for extra staff unless KAP publicly condemned Mr Anning’s comments.

Later at the Labor state conference, Ms Palaszczuk announced she would rip up the staffing deal.

The CCC said that based upon the information available, it may involve an offence against section 60 – inference of a member of Parliament – regarding the answer given by Ms Palaszczuk to Ms Leahy.

“The Premier’s answer allegedly contained an implied threat to withdraw KAP staffing resources with the intent to influence KAP parliamentary members in their vote and opinion upon a question arising in the Legislative Assembly,” the statement read.

“The Premier’s answer could be admitted in proceedings against her to the extent necessary to prosecute an offence against section 60.”

CCC Chairman, Mr Alan MacSporran said Section 60 was designed to prevent and punish conduct which sought to secretly influence the votes of MPs by inducements, threats and intimidation, describing this case as “very unusual”.

The LNP and KAP have both demanded parliamentary investigations, and for Ms Palaszczuk to stand down during the deliberations.

Opposition deputy leader Tim Mander called for a bipartisan select committee with equal government and non-government members to investigate the premier.

“We’re calling on the Palaszczuk Government to do the right thing,” he said.

“Be transparent and accountable and allow this select committee to actually be established to investigate these allegations.”

Shane Paulger
KAP President