Premier drops public service speech on LNP donor cash access day
By Matt Dennien
The news
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has dropped a planned keynote speech at a “building a better public service” summit, but has scheduled time to attend a party event giving LNP donors access to cabinet ministers.
Crisafulli had been billed to give the major speech at the day-long summit in Brisbane held by public sector news outlet The Mandarin, a slot now taken by assistant minister Trevor Watts.
The premier, and other cabinet ministers, will instead spend time meeting with LNP donors who have paid the party to take part in its Corporate Observers program, also in Brisbane on Thursday.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli had previously been given top billing at The Mandarin’s “building a better public service” event in Brisbane on Thursday.Credit: Dan Peled
Why it matters
The decision by Crisafulli comes amid growing criticisms of his new government’s relationship with the public service, despite campaigning on a platform to “empower” the sector.
Cash-for-access events from the major parties have long been sources of controversy.
Former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk scrapped – then resumed – support for Labor’s version during the last term.
Participating businesses, groups and individuals shell out thousands of dollars for access to events where they can rub shoulders with elected officials.
These are notoriously difficult to capture on paper through official diaries or lobbying registers, and have drawn criticism from prominent corruption fighter Tony Fitzgerald.
What they said
Crisafulli’s office did not provide an on-the-record response to questions from this masthead about why he decided to have Watts give the public sector event speech.
His office would not say which of his ministers would be attending the LNP’s Corporate Observers event, first reported by News Corp, before the start of the party’s annual convention on Friday.
The premier is still expected to make an appearance at the public sector event on Thursday. He was also due to give a speech to the Indian community at a separate event, and attend the LNP function.
Another perspective
Speaking to reporters in Brisbane, shadow treasurer Shannon Fentiman criticised Crisafulli for his attendance at the LNP event, but directed questions about whether Labor’s own program was still running to party headquarters.
What else you need to know
Crisafulli will soon travel to India and Japan in part to lobby for Queensland to host the next Australia-based gathering of the Australia, US, Japan and India Quad leaders meeting.
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