Deputy Premier Paul Lucas has welcomed the opposition Treasury
spokesman's support for the independence of the Crime and
Misconduct Commission.
On 612 ABC radio* today Tim Nicholls said he supported the
independence of the CMC.
Mr Lucas said the comment was at odds with Campbell Newman and
billionaire LNP backer Clive Palmer and showed a widening rift in
LNP ranks.
"Over the past few days Mr Palmer with the support of Campbell
Newman has been leading a concerted and coordinated attack on the
independence of the CMC, the state's independent crime and
corruption watchdog," he said.
"On Tuesday he claimed that the CMC was acting under political
pressure and then yesterday made the outrageous statement that
the CMC should be abolished, wrapped up and flushed down the
toilet.
"We now have the LNP's major financial benefactor, the man who
seized a microphone to take control at the first party
conference, stating squarely the LNP attitude to independent
oversight.
"I predicted in parliament yesterday that it would be a return to
the days of Bjelke-Petersen and within 24 hours it just gets
worse.
"Campbell Newman also made the incredible suggestion that the CMC
was providing briefings to the Treasurer on the conduct of
ongoing investigations.
"But this morning the Member for Clayfield broke ranks and stood
up for the CMC's independence.
"Why? Because he knows the CMC is fiercely independent and
allegations of misconduct or corruption should be fully
investigated without attempts to influence or intimidate the
investigators.
"This once again shows what a total rabble of disunity the LNP
are.
"One day we have Campbell Newman and Clive Palmer bagging the
CMC, the next we have Tim Nicholls standing up for it. This is a
serious rift over an issue that is of vital importance to our
parliamentary democracy - the role of the independent watch
dog.
"Had Campbell Newman been at Parliament yesterday, he would have
heard me say that the appointments to the Crime and Misconduct
Commission are required to be approved by a majority of the
bipartisan parliamentary committee and the CMC is subject to the
accountability of that bipartisan committee."
*ABC 612 Friday 8 April 2011
King: Alright but my question to you - do
you Tim Nicholls believe the CMC is fiercely independent? Yes or
no?
Nicholls: That's my experience
Madonna.
Deputy Premier and Attorney-General, Minister for
Local Government and Special Minister of State
The Honourable Paul Lucas
08/04/2011
LNP at odds with Palmer over CMC
