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Rob Pyne calls for ICAC in Queensland

Independent Queensland MP Rob Pyne has called for the state's corruption watchdog to be upgraded to an Independent Commission Against Corruption.

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Source: AAP


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Independent Queensland MP Rob Pyne has called for the state's Crime and Corruption Commission to be replaced by NSW-style ICAC to better tackle systemic corruption.

Mr Pyne, who has crusaded again local government corruption since being elected as a Labor MP in 2015, on Friday said the CCC's powers needed to be beefed up.

His call for an Independent Commission Against Corruption, based on the NSW organisation established in 1988, comes a week after he tabled documents in state parliament making allegations against former Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale.

Mr Pyne said Mr Pisasale's arrest and subsequent court appearance this week on extortion and assault charges was a vindication.

"I was raising these matters in state parliament up to two years ago and the deputy premier (Jackie Trad) didn't listen at the time," he told reporters.

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"Well the state government needs to be listening and they need to be acting."

Mr Pyne said simply getting the CCC to investigate allegations was a "massive obstacle" with 98 per cent of allegations referred back to the organisations they relate to.

The Cairns MP said he had written to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk calling for an ICAC to be set up, as well as demanding a ban on property donations to mayors and councillors.

Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath said the Labor government moved earlier this year to strengthen the powers of the CCC.

"After the LNP's attack on the CCC's powers while they were in government, the Palaszczuk government has ensured the CCC has the independence it needs, including the way the chair and commissioners are appointed," Ms D'Ath said in a statement.

"Someone would need to make a very strong case that its powers, which were crafted in line with the Fitzgerald Inquiry findings, were in some way fundamentally insufficient.

"I don't think that case has been made."

A CCC spokesperson pointed out the body has the powers of a standing Royal Commission, which gives it broad powers to investigate and prosecute.

They also pointed to the successful fraud conviction of former LNP MP Scott Driscoll this year, as well as criminal prosecutions of police officers for accessing and releasing confidential information, as proof they have sufficient powers.


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