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Queensland government rejects calls for corruption royal commission as just ‘a vibe’

Steven Miles is set to be sworn in as Queensland's 40th premier.

Steven Miles is set to be sworn in as Queensland's 40th premier. Photo: AAP

Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles has dismissed calls for a government integrity probe, saying “you can’t have a royal commission into a vibe”.

Two independent watchdogs, the Liberal National Party, Katter’s Australian Party and The Greens are calling for a probe amid multiple allegations of interference in regulators and processes.

Outgoing Integrity Commissioner Nikola Stepanov claims a laptop was taken from her office and wiped, and that the government tried to have her sacked.

Former state archivist Mike Summerell says there was interference in his record-keeping, potentially leading to parliament being mislead.

Mr Miles says those allegations are being investigated properly so there’s no need for a wider inquiry.

“If there is new evidence then it should be forwarded to the CCC (Crime and Corruption Commission), but you can’t have a royal commission into the vibe,” the deputy premier told reporters on Sunday.

The CCC is itself under a cloud after the government ordered a formal commission of inquiry into the watchdog’s functions and structure after its botched probe into Logan Council.

‘Forward it to the CCC’

Mr Miles said while “questions have been raised about the CCC” it was still the “appropriate forum” for any allegations of government misconduct.

“If anyone has any new evidence they should forward it to the CCC,” the deputy premier said.

Meanwhile, the premier’s director-general Rachel Hunter has launched a third probe into Mr Summerell’s allegations of interference in his record-keeping role.

The terms of reference for Ms Hunter’s review were released on Friday, with the findings due by March 4.

Mr Miles said Queenslanders were confident with the way allegations were being dealt with, but they were not really a priority for most people anyway.

“When I talk to folk, this is not what they raised with me,” the deputy premier said.

“They raised with me their concerns about what’s happening in aged care, their ability to get a rapid antigen test – a lot of people came to me yesterday to tell me that their chemist had them in now, which is really good news – they’re the things that folk out in my electorate are talking to me about.”

-AAP

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