Amy Remeikis reports in the Brisbane Times (9.10.15) that there are problems in establishing an inquiry into political donations.
‘The Government promised a “royal commission style inquiry” into political donations – and links, if any, to government decisions – at the last election.
‘The inquiry also formed part of Labor’s commitments to independent MP Peter Wellington, in return for his support in Queensland’s hung parliament.
‘At first, the government was waiting for a permanent chair to head up the Crime and Corruption Commission. That happened when Alan MacSporran took over the role in September, but Ms D’Ath said there were other considerations.
‘”There are some issues in relation to the CCC in that fact that rightly so the government can’t directly instruct the CCC to undertake a particular inquiry,” she said.
‘”The CCC can undertake an inquiry through its research functions however that has limitations in relation to compelling of witnesses to give evidence.
‘”There is the avenue through the PCCC [Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee, which can ask the CCC to investigate]
‘”We are working through ways to deliver on our commitment but we are still absolutely intent to do so.
‘”We will announce when we are ready what that model will actually be.”‘