The State Government has commissioned a review into the culture and accountability of Queensland’s Public Sector, appointing former Vice-Chancellor of the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Peter Coaldrake to lead it.
Announcing the Review, Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk said it would have the power to make system-wide changes by examining six key areas.
Ms Palaszczuk said these were the culture of the Public Service in ensuring ethical decision-making and impartial advice to the Government and the nature of interactions and interdependencies between integrity bodies, the Public Service and the Government.
She said the Review would examine legislation underpinning the existing ethics and integrity framework, and the adequacy of systems to prevent ethical, accountability and integrity issues arising.
The Premier said it would also consider the adequacy of ethics training and communication and relevant policies, and the timeliness of processes to resolve ethical and integrity complaints.
Ms Palaszczuk said periodic reviews were good for Governments and it was always beneficial to look at things with fresh eyes.
“The 21st Century has brought rapid changes, not least in terms of technology; we need to address that,” she said.
“People deserve a Government that is fit for purpose, geared to their needs and focused on them.”
Ms Palaszczuk said this Review would build on the findings of the 2019 Bridgeman Review.
“Stage One of that Review concentrated on the importance of employment security,” she said.
“The next phase of the Government’s response to theBridgeman Review is focused on the modernisation of the Public Service Act 2008.”
Professor Coaldrake (pictured) will provide an interim report within two months and a final report within four months, and both will be made public.
