Langbroek hits out at CCC boss over corruption inquiry

THE boss of the state’s crime and corruption watchdog is under pressure to reveal the status of the CCC’s investigation into the Gold Coast City Council.

Surfers Paradise MP JohnPaul Langbroek has taken aim at Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) chairman Alan MacSporran after he made a throwaway comment that led to suggestions he’s not suitable for the job.

Mr Macsporran suggested he may use his powers to hurt the political prospects of Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk and said the CCC could have “catastrophic” impact on elections during a public community forum at Redland City.

However he later told the press that he was only trying to be light-hearted and insisted the CCC would never act to disadvantage any person.

The CCC is investigating a number of allegations into the Gold Coast council, including an accusation Mayor Tom Tate engineered council decisions to secure personal gain.

Mr Langbroek said Mr MacSporran’s comments “raised serious issues of how the CCC operates”.

“It has been more than a year since failed council candidates, developers and greenies questioned the mayor’s integrity,” he said.

“I’m not here to be a cheer squad for Tom Tate but I am just interested in proper process.

“I want to know what the progress is on the inquiry into the Gold Coast City Council because I have constituents asking me what the state of it is and whether things are above board here.”

Mr Langbroek said the CCC chairman had “opened a can of worms” with his remarks.

Cr Tate declined to comment.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk yesterday backed Mr MacSporran, saying she had her “absolute full confidence” in him.

Ms Palaszczuk was asked by the LNP during Question Time about his comments.