Qld govt launches building watchdog probe

Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni has announced an independent governance review of the QBCC. Photo: AAP
The Queensland government has launched a review of the stateâs Building and Construction Commission amid concerns about its functioning.
Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni says former public administrator Jim Varghese will lead the inquiry into the building watchdogâs structure.
The review comes after a series of Liberal National Party allegations and The Courier-Mail reports about poor culture and decision-making processes at the QBCC.
âToday I can advise my department has commissioned an independent governance review of the independent regulator, the QBCC,â Mr de Brenni told parliament on Tuesday.
âThe review will be led by respected administrator Jim Varghese and will ensure the regulator continues to perform in an industry that thrives on innovation and agility.
âIt will continue our track record of reform that has delivered the strongest and fairest building and construction industry in the country.â
Liberal National Party public works spokesman Tim Mander said the QBCC was âfalling apartâ under Mr de Brenniâs leadership and called for a full-scale inquiry rather than âanother dud reviewâ.
Mr Mander said an inquiry must probe the ministerâs interactions with the QBCC and consider the experiences alleged by âvictimsâ.
He accused Mr de Brenni of âstacking the QBCC board with his union mastersâ, tearing up small operatorsâ fire protection licenses and intervening in QBCC operations to âbenefit his matesâ.
âThere are âŠserious allegations of ministerial intervention, conflicts of interest of board members and a lack of transparency,â Mr Mander said in a statement.
âThe LNP believes only a Commission of Inquiry can provide the answers Queenslanders need.â
â AAP








