Crisafulli’s Shadow Government: The Rise of the Fraine Train

In Queensland politics, relationships between key players are often shrouded in mystery. Recent analysis of cabinet diaries has shed light on an intriguing dynamic between Premier David Crisafulli and Natural Resources and Mines director-general Graham Fraine. Their close working relationship has sparked debate about the role of ministers and the influence wielded by senior bureaucrats.

Crisafulli’s decision to bypass Dale Last, his own minister for Natural Resources and Mines, is a stark illustration of the blurred lines between politics and administration in Queensland. Some have defended this approach as necessary due to Fraine’s exceptional expertise, while others see it as a worrying trend that undermines the principle of ministerial accountability.

Fraine’s role cannot be overstated. His involvement in key decisions has been documented through cabinet diaries, revealing a pattern of direct communication between Crisafulli and Fraine without Last being present. This close relationship may be seen as a testament to Fraine’s effectiveness, but it also raises questions about the minister’s ability to provide effective oversight.

The reliance on Fraine comes at a critical juncture for the Crisafulli government, which is seeking to revitalize the critical minerals mining and production industry. As they drive progress in this area, the Premier’s team is counting on Fraine’s expertise. The meeting between Fraine, Dave Davies from Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting, and Last’s chief of staff Ally Foley in December has sparked speculation about the influence wielded by key stakeholders.

The emergence of this dynamic raises concerns about transparency and accountability within Queensland’s administration. The state government’s apparent allergy to independent external recruitment for directors-general is also noteworthy, with Public Sector Commissioner David Mackie’s appointment being a case in point. Despite directives calling for competitive advertised approaches, Crisafulli has been accused of bypassing these processes to favor more streamlined solutions.

This trend towards direct appointments raises questions about the merit-based system that underpins public sector recruitment. The 1989 Fitzgerald Inquiry report emphasized the importance of external, transparent, and merit-based recruitment processes for director-general positions. By circumventing these procedures, the Crisafulli government may be undermining the principles of accountability and fairness.

The ongoing Core Agreement talks between the state government and unions will provide further insight into this complex web of relationships. With 13 unions at the table, representing a significant proportion of the public sector workforce, the negotiations are politically charged and contentious. The lapsed offer of backpay to July 1 has added a new layer of complexity, with some already speculating about the potential impact on future wage agreements.

The Crisafulli government’s reliance on Fraine and its approach to director-general appointments have significant implications for Queensland politics. As the Premier navigates trade talks and public sector negotiations, the need for transparency and accountability has never been more pressing. The shadow government that appears to be emerging under Crisafulli’s leadership raises important questions about the role of bureaucrats and ministers in shaping policy outcomes.