Arabic version: هيئة رقابية تشير إلى إخفاقات في عقد إيجار بقيمة 116 مليون دولار لشرطة كوينزلاند

According to ABC News, Queensland’s corruption watchdog has found a “combined failure” allowed police to commit to spending $116 million on leasing a Brisbane building that has never been used. The Crime and Corruption Commission’s report said opportunities to stop the transaction were missed at every stage.

The Queensland Police Service entered a conditional agreement to lease the Stones Corner property, in inner Brisbane, at about $500,000 a month as part of a plan to consolidate accommodation. The building was later assessed as not fit for purpose. The report said QPS did not consider buying the property during the process, despite the 15-year lease costing far more than the purchase price.

The CCC investigated after former police commissioner Steve Gollschewski made a complaint in November 2024 about the procurement process and due diligence before the contract was entered. It found no dishonesty, improper relationship or personal gain. However, it said due diligence and legal advice were sought only after the commitment, while no competitive process or independent assessment tested whether the terms were appropriate, reasonable or value for money.

The watchdog also found QPS committed to expenditure beyond its budget without government approval, and its later funding request was denied. The CCC made nine recommendations, including reviews of leasing processes and an action plan addressing systemic organisational culture issues. It also recommended the Queensland Government review its whole-of-government accommodation policy. QPS has been contacted for comment.