The Queensland Local Government Association has blamed former Premier Peter Beattie for a public mistrust in how politics and business operates in the state. Association executive director Greg Hallam says the flawed system of accessing ministers via lobbyists must be fixed, as there has been a complete breakdown in public confidence. He says he has faith in Premier Anna Bligh. "I've got no doubt that the Premier is an honest politician but she's inherited a mess," he said. "We do need to get to the bottom of this issue and we do need to restore public trust in the system."
Former premier Wayne Goss agrees. "The longer any side of politics is in power the more risk there is that cobwebs will settle," he said. "That's not a criticism of Peter Beattie; it can happen with either side of politics." Mr Hallam says all major planning decisions should be made openly, as they are in local government. "If these things are done openly and transparently then a lot of the misconceptions and innuendo will go away," he said. "Unfortunately at the moment the system is ripe for people making accusations about improper behaviour."
Ms Bligh has announced a ban on success fees paid to lobbyists.
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