Newman announces new ministerial code

13 Jul 2012, 3:37 pm   -   Source: AAP
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has announced a new ministerial code of conduct. (AAP)

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has announced a new ministerial code of conduct. (AAP)

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman will have a new set of standards for his cabinet after a senior minister Bruce Flegg made a blunder.

The Queensland premier has promised a new ministerial code of conduct will demand a clear separation between the government and the Liberal National Party (LNP) machine.

The pledge comes in the wake of a senior minister's embarrassing blunder.

Premier Campbell Newman says he's admonished Public Works Minister Bruce Flegg for sending LNP heavyweight Barry O'Sullivan to review the books of two government corporations.

On Friday Mr Flegg admitted he made a mistake by making the appointment.

Opposition leader Annastacia Palaszczuk has described the incident as a new low for the government, particularly given Mr Flegg admitted his mistake but was not being sacked.

"The premier's inaction means Queenslanders will know that it is perfectly acceptable for any minister to engage unauthorised outsiders to stick their noses into government business, pore over confidential information; to do so with no guidelines or confidentiality agreement, and to keep the premier in the dark," Ms Palaszczuk said in a statement.

Mr Newman was forced to admit in parliament this week a "more appropriate approach" should have been taken in reviewing the books of the government's printing business GoPrint, and its landscaping business GoPlant.

Speaking to reporters at the LNP Convention in Brisbane on Friday, the premier said a ministerial code of conduct promised at the election was a few days from public release.

He couldn't say whether the code would deal specifically with mistakes such as Dr Flegg's, but promised it would outline a distinct separation between government and the LNP.

"What it will say is there needs to be a clear delineation between the activities of the government, things that we're charged to do, and any influence by the party," he said.

"You can't legislate for ethics.

"What you have to do is rely on people to show good judgement and that's what I intend to do as the leader of this state."

He cited the resignation of former police minister David Gibson for driving unlicensed as proof he was committed to making ministers accountable.

He was prepared to do it again if a minister crossed the line, but said it didn't apply in Dr Flegg's situation.

"He's shown an error of judgement, a mistake, (but) as a minister he's doing a good job," Mr Newman said.

Mr Newman said there were no plans to sell the loss-making GoPlant or GoPrint businesses.

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