QLD: Former public servant in CMC probe defends actions

AAP General News (Australia)
08-29-2008
QLD: Former public servant in CMC probe defends actions

BRISBANE, Aug 29 AAP - A former senior Queensland public servant who could face criminal
charges for using his position to help set up a private training company he later joined
says he has done nothing wrong.

A Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) hearing was yesterday asked to consider recommending
criminal charges against Scott Flavell.

A CMC inquiry began in July to investigate possible official misconduct by the former
Department of Employment and Training director-general.

The inquiry was told Mr Flavell began discussions with private investors about the
establishment of Careers Australia, a Brisbane training centre for international students,
more than a year before he resigned as director-general in September 2006.

He became a director and CEO of the company the day after he left the department.

The inquiry heard details of meetings, phone calls and emails during which Mr Flavell
gave business advice and sensitive departmental documents to investor and friend Vern
Wills and his associates.

It was told Mr Flavell did not disclose any conflict of interest to the government
despite being required to do so.

Counsel assisting the CMC, Ralph Devlin SC, yesterday said there was sufficient evidence
for the consideration of criminal charges.

CMC chairman Robert Needham is now drafting a report which will be tabled in state parliament.

But Mr Flavell told AAP he still believed setting up Careers Australia was "a good thing to do".

"It was consistent with government policy and training apprentices is a high priority
in a period of skills shortages," Mr Flavell said.

"The establishment of (Careers Australia) involved considerable risk on behalf of me
and other investors with no guaranteed financial return.

"The company now trains several thousand apprentices across Queensland."

He said counsel assisting the inquiry had acknowledged during the hearing that he did
not seek, receive or obtain any benefit from his advice to Mr Wills.

He said he expected the CMC to consider the evidence rejecting the claims he provided
confidential information or had a conflict of interest.

"It is now two years since I resigned from the Queensland public service and I am looking
forward to the completion of this investigation," Mr Flavell said.

AAP pjo/goc/cdh/

KEYWORD: FLAVELL DAYLEAD

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