Townsville MP Troy Thompson will not face any sanctions despite admitting to leaking confidential parliamentary documents to a member of the public. The Queensland Parliament's Ethics Committee has concluded its investigation, determining that no further action is required.
Committee Investigation Finds No Breach
The Ethics Committee, chaired by Speaker Curtis Pitt, examined the incident where Mr. Thompson provided confidential draft committee reports and briefing notes to a constituent. These documents were related to the Transport and Resources Committee's inquiry into the Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan.
In a statement, the committee acknowledged that the MP's actions were "inconsistent with the obligations of a committee member." However, they ultimately ruled that Mr. Thompson did not technically breach the Parliament's rules, as the formal committee had not yet been officially established at the time of the leak.
The documents were shared in late 2023 with a local business owner who had made a submission to the inquiry. Mr. Thompson defended his actions, stating he was trying to keep the constituent informed about the process affecting his business.
Security Concerns and Political Fallout
While escaping formal punishment, the incident has sparked significant debate about parliamentary security and protocol. The leak involved sensitive drafts that are typically kept private to ensure the integrity of the committee's deliberative process.
Opposition integrity spokeswoman Laura Gerber criticised the outcome, stating the committee had set a "dangerous precedent." She argued that allowing MPs to leak confidential drafts without consequence undermines trust in parliamentary processes.
Speaker Curtis Pitt emphasised that all MPs have now been reminded of their responsibilities regarding confidential documents. He stated that the ruling should not be seen as an endorsement of the behaviour, but rather a reflection of the specific technical circumstances.
Thompson's Defence and Moving Forward
Troy Thompson, the member for the electorate of Thuringowa, maintained that his intention was transparency. "I was trying to do the right thing by a local business," he said. "They had participated in the process in good faith and I wanted to show them their voice was being heard."
The Ethics Committee's report, tabled in Parliament, included a recommendation for enhanced training for all MPs and staff on handling confidential material. This aims to prevent similar incidents in the future, regardless of the technical status of a committee.
The conclusion of this case leaves unresolved tensions between an MP's duty to their constituents and their obligation to uphold parliamentary confidentiality. While no penalty was applied, the event serves as a stark reminder of the sensitive nature of documents within the Queensland Parliament.
