The Queensland Government has endorsed recommendations from a review of the state’s anti-corruption body.

The Government has confirmed its support for all 16 recommendations made by the Independent Review into the Crime and Corruption Commission’s (CCC) reporting functions. 

This move, announced by Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath, follows a comprehensive review led by former Chief Justice Catherine Holmes. 

The review examined the CCC’s ability to publicly report on corruption matters, especially in light of the High Court's ruling in Crime and Corruption Commission v Carne.

Holmes' recommendations aim to balance the need for public transparency with the protection of individual rights. 

Key among the proposals is a model allowing the CCC to issue public reports and statements concerning its corruption investigations. 

Public reporting on individual corruption cases will be permitted where serious corrupt conduct is confirmed by a court, tribunal, or disciplinary process.

Additionally, elected officials may be subject to public reports even if corruption allegations are not substantiated, provided the information is factual and in the public interest. 

The CCC will have the discretion to decide how to apply the new reporting model to its past reports and statements.

The legislative amendments, to be introduced as a priority, will empower the CCC to report publicly on corruption investigations and its corruption prevention function. 

Furthermore, the CCC's independence will be strengthened by enabling it to table reports directly through the Speaker of the Parliament or publish them separately. 

The Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee will retain its authority to direct the CCC to table reports.

The review also touches on high-profile cases such as those involving former deputy premier Jackie Trad and former state public trustee Peter Carne. 

While Mr Carne was cleared of corrupt conduct, Ms Trad has launched a bid to suppress a CCC report. 

The implications of the new recommendations on these cases remain unclear.

The review proposes that the CCC should be able to report on corruption allegations against elected officials, even if not proven guilty, without including critical commentary or recommendations based on their conduct. This approach aims to maintain focus on factual reporting and public interest without editorialising.

The full report is accessible here.