Media | State News

Premier is to blame for Barbagallo scandal

24th September 2020

The arrogance and deceit at the heart of the Palaszczuk Labor Government have been exposed in today’s CCC report into the undeclared business interests of the Premier’s former chief-of-staff, David Barbagallo.

The report found that Barbagallo’s conduct broke the Ministerial Staff Act, the Declarations of Interests Directive, the Ministerial Staff Code of Conduct and the Queensland Ministerial Handbook.

The CCC concluded that the Premier’s right-hand man could have faced disciplinary proceedings if he had not resigned.

The report also revealed that the Premier misled MPs when she advised them that Barbagallo had sought advice from the Integrity Commissioner before a company he part-owned applied for a $267,500 grant from the Palaszczuk Labor Government.

LNP Deb Frecklington said the report was further proof of Labor’s shocking lack of integrity.

“Deputy Premier Jackie Trad was caught out over a secret property purchase and now Annastacia Palaszczuk’s hand-picked chief-of-staff has been caught out over secret business deals,” Ms Frecklington said.

“Annastacia Palaszczuk hand-picked David Barbagallo. This integrity scandal is her responsibility.

“The Premier should have thrown the book at Barbagallo, but instead she allowed him to get off scot-free by resigning two months after the scandal broke.

“Annastacia Palaszczuk also lied to MPs when she said Barbagallo had fully declared his business dealings and had sought Integrity Commissioner advice – neither of which is true.

“She must apologise to Parliament for her comments – and for bringing a proven liar into the heart of her government.

“Barbagallo’s interviews with the CCC showed astonishing arrogance and that those at the top of the Palaszczuk Labor Government believe they are above scrutiny.

“The grubby, arrogant culture of the Palaszczuk Labor Government is down to Annastacia Palaszczuk.

“The only way to end Labor’s integrity crisis is to get rid of this government.”