Queensland's Liberal National Party is on a high after claiming the scalp of former deputy premier and treasurer Jackie Trad, but a political expert says it may cost them the election.
If they'd saved their attacks for the upcoming October election campaign they could have brought down the entire government, Griffith University's Paul Williams told AAP.
By doggedly pursuing Ms Trad now, they've shot themselves in the foot.
"They're very proud of the fact they got a treasurer's scalp and deputy premier's scalp," he says.
"(But) they have poured water on the very gunpowder that could have blown them into government."
Ms Trad was in 2019 referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission over an investment property, and again last year over her involvement in the selection of a school principal in her South Brisbane seat.
She has denied wrongdoing but stepped down from her cabinet responsibilities in May.
The MP was cleared of criminal wrongdoing on both occasions, but criticised for her actions.
She says the CCC's latest report exonerates her, and that the LNP's "political witch-hunt" and "ongoing smear campaign" had deeply affected her, her family and the South Brisbane community.
The LNP on the other hand says the report is damning.
It has demanded Premier Annastacia Palazczuk now apologise for the saga and rule out ever returning her former deputy to cabinet.
However, Dr Williams says the report doesn't mean much at all, because damage to Ms Trad's reputation was already done.
It will be near impossible for her to hold onto her seat at the October poll, Dr Williams predicts.
The CCC's investigation into the principal selection for the Inner City South State Secondary College, found "worrying and disturbing practices" according to chair Alan MacSporran QC.
They included poor or no record keeping of key decisions, misleading a candidate, publishing or using false information to make decisions, and deleting an email supposed to remain on the public record.
The CCC's report will be sent to the Public Service Commissioner to look at potential disciplinary actions, Ms Palaszczuk said.
"I'm not happy, and frankly, it is a very serious issue when you have public servants that have misled the premier and the minister of the day," she said.
"That does not wash well in my book, I don't think it washes well with anyone and I do expect the public service to provide fearless and frank advice, but accurate advice, because I rely on that advice."
Australian Associated Press
