The Commission of Inquiry into Possible Illegal Activities and Associated Police Misconduct (the Fitzgerald Inquiry; 1987–1989) was established in response to a series of articles on high-level police corruption in The Courier-Mail by reporter Phil Dickie, followed by a Four Corners television report, aired on 11 May 1987, entitled “The Moonlight State” with reporter Chris Masters. Both reports highlighted prostitution, gambling and possible police corruption. With Queensland’s Premier of 18 years, Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen, out of the state, his deputy Bill Gunn ordered a commission of inquiry the day after the television report was broadcast; on Tuesday 12 May 1987.
Fitzgerald Inquiry Report
The handing down of the Fitzgerald Report on 3 July 1989 was one of the most defining moments in Queensland’s political, administrative and policing history. The reports were printed under armed guard at the Government Printer, South Brisbane. They were collected from there by two heavily armed Queensland Police, who conveyed them to the assembled media representatives in the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds. Thirty years have passed since that memorable day, and there are now opportunities to reflect on the Fitzgerald legacy, to recount some experiences of the police working for Fitzgerald, and even to recall some of the “lighter moments” of the two-year inquiry.
The four presenters are all experts in their various fields and have vivid recollections of the Inquiry. As well as these four, we expect to have other former high-profile identities from the Fitzgerald era. After the final presenter today, these other personalities will be invited to form part of a larger “Fitzgerald” panel, to share their experiences and take questions from the floor. 30 years might have passed, but the interest remains.
This whole day of presentations will start at 9.30am and finish at 3pm on Sunday, 28 July and will be both informative and educational, and suitable for a general audience.
Limited Seating Available, Bookings are Essential, please email museum@police.qld.gov.au to secure a seat- RSVP by COB 23 July.
| 0930 – 1000 | MORNING TEA | |
| 1000 – 1015 | Introduction | Professor Mark Finnane of Griffith University |
| 1015 – 1100 | Matt Condon OAM | The allegations leading up to and the establishment of the Inquiry. The role of the Courier-Mail during the Inquiry and publication of the Report. |
| 1100 – 1145 | Mr Barry Krosch | The Inquiry and Report: Recollections of a kid from Kingaroy. (Including a few of the lighter moments) |
| 1145 – 1230 | Mr. Alan MacSporran QC | The establishment of CJC, CMC and now the CCC. Current Roles and Objectives. |
| 1230 – 1330 | LUNCH | |
| 1330 – 1415 | Mr. Terry O’Gorman | The Fitzgerald reforms 30 years on – complaints against police, the CCC and the role of Parliament. Further changes that are needed to prevent backsliding. |
| 1415 – 1430 | Professor Mark Finnane | Summing Up |
| 1430 – 1500 | Panel Presentation | A panel consisting of the four presenters and any other former high profile “Fitzgerald” identities, who will share their experiences and take questions from the floor. |
Limited Seating Available, Bookings are Essential, please email museum@police.qld.gov.au to secure a seat- RSVP by COB 23 July.
The Museum opens its doors to the public on the last Sunday of each month from 10am to 3pm from February to November in addition to the standard Monday to Thursday 9am to 4pm opening hours. Monthly Sunday openings feature guest speakers from across the historical and crime-solving spectrums. The Police Museum will open Sunday, 28 July from 10am to 3pm, and is located on the ground floor of Police Headquarters, 200 Roma Street, Brisbane.