Journalists who uncovered key details of Queensland’s biggest political scandal will speak at a free seminar presented by The University of Queensland’s School of Journalism and Communication at the Brisbane Powerhouse on Saturday, March 7.
Former ABC reporters Chris Masters and Quentin Dempster, Phil Dickie of The Courier-Mail and Margaret Simons formerly of The Age, will be the guests at the seminar titled Twenty Years After Fitzgerald … Did They Get the Joke? which will run from 10am to 4pm.
The seminar marks the 20th anniversary of the submission by Tony Fitzgerald QC of his report to the Queensland Parliament after his judicial inquiry into corruption in the Queensland Police force.
The two-year Fitzgerald Inquiry was largely triggered by the continuous media focus on allegations of endemic corruption and bribery inside Queensland Police, led by Phil Dickie and culminating in Chris Masters’ ABC Four Corners documentary The Moonlight State.
The inquiry was ordered by Deputy Premier Bill Gunn while Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen was out of the State, and resulted in the jailing of the Police Commissioner Terry Lewis and other long serving officers, the resignation of Sir Joh, and criminal charges against a number of Government Ministers.
Police insiders referred to the corruption as “the joke” and their revelations, and that of other key figures at the inquiry, were turned into in a memorable series of re-enactments aired at the time on ABC television, some of which will be played at the seminar.
Professor Michael Bromley, Head of the School of Journalism and Communication, said the symposium was an ideal opportunity to reflect on the impact and importance of the Fitzgerald Inquiry, and the role of investigative journalism in the recent past.
“It was really the fine work done by the journalists coming to this seminar and their colleagues, all under tremendous pressure and the constant threat of writs from very influential people in Queensland at the time, which led to the biggest scandal ever in this State being uncovered,” Professor Bromley said.
“We are honoured to have such eminent members of our profession coming and giving their reflections, and it is a terrific opportunity for student journalists, young journalists and interested members of the public to hear from the masters of the craft.”
Entry to the seminar is open to the public and is free. Lunch will be available for pre-purchase at $30 per head. Spaces are limited. Bookings must be made by Monday, March 2. Contact Katie Petersen at Katie.petersen@uq.edu.au or (07) 3365 3268.
Media: For further information, please contact Bruce Redman on 0418 786 315 or at b.redman@uq.edu.au
