E-Petition

The Petition of residents of the State of Queensland draws to the attention of the House to the serious harm inflicted on individuals and families through injustice, corruption, maladministration by Queensland government departments. This often results in severe consequences, including financial ruin, emotional trauma, physical pain, loss of opportunities, and long-term suffering. Ex gratia payments-voluntary compensation without admitting liability- are currently discretionary, decided case-by-case by departments or under guidelines from bodies like the Queensland Audit Office. They are not guaranteed even when wrongdoing is clear, leaving many victims without meaningful redress and undermining confidence in government accountability.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to do all within its power to legislate making payments compulsory for Queenslanders who can demonstrate serious harm from departmental actions involving injustice, corruption, maladministration. This should include:

1. Clear objective criteria for eligibility.
2. A transparent independent review mechanism (e.g, A dedicated panel or tribunal separate from existing oversight bodies).

This reform would provide equitable redress, restore public trust, and deter future abuses of power.