Integrity is the bedrock of public confidence in this government or any government. It is what assures Queenslanders that decisions are made fairly, open land in the best interests of the people we serve. Today I rise to speak on the Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee’s tabled report titled Oversight of the Office of the Queensland Integrity Commissioner. The committee’s work makes one thing abundantly clear: the Office of the Queensland Integrity Commissioner has had a year of immense change and growing demand. In the 2023-24 year alone, the office received 122 formal requests for advice on integrity and ethics—an increase of more than 50 per cent on the year before. The majority of these concerned conflicts of interest, and I think that demonstrates something important: our ministers, office holders and senior public servants are actively seeking independent guidance when faced with challenging situations. This is a sign of a healthy culture—one where integrity is not an afterthought but a first instinct.
The commissioner’s role in regulating lobbying has also grown. With the passage of the Integrity and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024, we now have stronger rules around who may lobby, mandatory training for lobbyists and clearer reporting obligations. During the reporting year, the office recorded more than 900 lobbying activities and dealt with 66 cases of noncompliance. A review of the lobbying code of conduct—untouched since 2013—is now underway, and I welcome that work. Equally encouraging is the commissioner’s focus on education. Some 33 training sessions and webinars were delivered across government and industry, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. Some 95 per cent rated the sessions as highly relevant and well presented. This education-first approach is crucial. Compliance is not just about enforcement; it is about building a culture where integrity is understood, expected and lived out daily.
All of this work has placed new pressures on the office. The transition to statutory body status, the implementation of legislative change and the surge in demand have stretched staff and resources. The budget has grown to just over $2 million, but the commissioner has made it clear that modest additional resourcing is needed if outreach and education are to keep pace with community expectations.
The committee commends the commissioner and her staff for their efforts through what has been a transformative year. We note the importance of ensuring the office is properly resourced and we support the commissioner’s strong emphasis on education as the first tool of compliance. Our recommendation is simple: that the House notes the contents of this report. Integrity is not a box to be ticked; it is the foundation of public trust. The work of the Integrity Commissioner strengthens transparency, accountability and confidence in Queensland’s democracy. I commend the report to the House.
