“Katter’s Australian Party has today provided its full support to calls for a Royal Commission into Queensland’s integrity institutions.

“We support any inquiry or probe that to seeks to ensure not only the Government, but the many agencies that operate within or alongside it, are operating honestly and transparently and that there are no abuses of power.

“These days there’s so many offices and activities designed to ‘preserve the integrity’ of the State Government, but they seem to miss the mark when it really matters.

“There is still so much dogy business that goes on at every level

“Queenslanders have put their faith in us, as parliamentarians, to ensure that equality, transparency and honesty underpins all levels of government in Queensland.

“In my memory, there has never been a time where the public has had less faith and confidence in the Queensland Government; the COVID-19 pandemic can no longer be a smokescreen for the chronic and devastating issues that are festering below the surface including crime, the health crisis and now the shambolic state of affairs surrounding the PCS, CCC and also the Office of the Independent Assessor.

“Given the events of recent months, and the damning allegations relating to these agencies, we believe all Queensland integrity institutions should be subject to public scrutiny, and this scrutiny should extend to all and any external political influences.

“There is now an immediate onus on the Premier to initiate a thorough investigation into these agencies.

“The lack of an Upper House in Queensland effectively means that ultimate control is held by the Government of the day.

“If we cannot have confidence that the mechanisms we have in place to prevent corruption, deceit and abuse of power within the public sector are working, and are working without fear or favour, then we have betrayed the trust of all Queenslanders.”