State Member for Pine Rivers, Carolyn Male MP, said that in the last week of State Parliament sweeping reforms were passed which establish Queensland’s system of integrity and accountability as the strongest and most stringent in the country.

Carolyn Male MP said the reforms under the Integrity Bill 2009 included such landmark moves as the banning of success fees to lobbyists for achieving favourable outcomes from government, an expansion of Crime and Misconduct powers allowing it to investigate Government Owned Corporations and strengthening the role of the Integrity Commissioner.

Carolyn Male MP said Queensland’s modern system of accountability and integrity was now the strongest, most transparent and most stringent in the nation.

“The Bligh Government gave a commitment that these new laws would be in place by the end of the year and today our government makes good on that commitment,” Carolyn Male MP.

“We are determined and serious about providing Queenslanders with a robust integrity and accountability framework encompassing strong rules, a strong culture, strong scrutiny and strong enforcement.”

“The message is now entrenched in law and is crystal clear - everybody in public office is expected and required to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability.”

The passing of the Integrity Bill is the first step in a raft of reforms with further significant and expansive reforms due for completion by mid 2010.

For more information please contact my office on phone 3205 6779 or on email pine.rivers@parliament.qld.gov.au.