For weeks, several former and outgoing public servants have called for closer scrutiny of the Queensland government's record on integrity, claiming cultural issues and allegations of political interference.
Now, in the latest development, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed she had referred the state's Integrity Commissioner to a parliamentary committee over allegations of possible misconduct.
The referral was reportedly made weeks after the Integrity Commissioner herself made allegations of interference in her office.
It is a complex issue so to help bring you up to speed, we've answered some of the most commonly asked questions.
What is the Palaszczuk government investigating?
Ms Palaszczuk referred outgoing Integrity Commissioner Dr Nikola Stepanov to an internal parliamentary committee, which has oversight of her role, for allegations of "misconduct".
We don't know any more specific details of the complaint or the allegations that have been made against Dr Stepanov and the Premier is unable to provide those details, because legally, the issue is now covered by parliamentary confidentiality rules.
But Ms Palaszczuk said she had a duty to refer the complaint investigation, no matter how big, or small, the allegation was.
She said "certain matters" relating to the complaint had also been referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) and said it "would be helpful" if the CCC provided an update to the public on that investigation.
So what is the point of contention?
The Premier's referral was reportedly made shortly after Dr Stepanov herself raised allegations about potential interference in the workings of her office.
It comes after allegations surfaced in the media that the Public Service Commission (PSC), which is controlled by the Premier's department, had interfered with the Office of the Integrity Commission.
The State Opposition claimed the PSC confiscated a laptop and wiped some data — a claim the PSC has disputed.
But the PSC said a laptop was given to the CCC at the request of the corruption watchdog.
Ms Palaszczuk has been repeatedly asked if she knew of Dr Stepanov's complaints about alleged interference before she referred the commissioner to the parliamentary committee.
The Premier's office said Ms Palaszczuk did not know about the allegations when she referred the complaint.
Who is the Integrity Commissioner?
The state's independent Integrity Commissioner Nikola Stepanov is the integrity watchdog for Queensland parliament, tasked with advising state MPs and senior bureaucrats on conflicts of interest, looking into complaints of unlawful lobbying, and managing the state's lobbying register.
The role has two main functions — to provide confidential advice on ethics and integrity matters to ministers, politicians, ministerial staff and senior public servants, and to monitor the interaction of lobbyists and government representatives.
Dr Stepanov's role is crucial for upholding the integrity of elected officials.
Earlier this year, Dr Stepanov announced she would be quitting the role in July 2022, after raising concerns about governance issues within the Queensland Integrity Commission, saying "the arrangements operate in such a way as to place the [commissioner] in a position of inherent vulnerability".
Dr Stepanov also called for a formal review of potential interference by its oversight body.
Did the Premier want Dr Stepanov removed from the role?
Ms Palasczuk has been emphatic when asked if she wanted Dr Stepanov out of the role.
"Never. Never, never, never," Ms Palaszczuk said at a recent media conference.
"I absolutely had faith in the job that she was doing, but when there are matters that come to my attention, I had to refer them, and I did that."
Why does this matter?
These concerns go to the heart of how the state government works, and the intersection of the government and the public service – which is meant to be free from political influence.
Over the last month, several high-profile current and former public servants have raised concerns about integrity issues within the Queensland government, questioning the independence of the public service and alleging political interference in their duties.
Many of these bureaucrats have backed LNP opposition calls for an inquiry into integrity issues in the Palaszczuk government.
The government has resisted calls for an independent inquiry and has maintained there has been no wrongdoing.
These issues are confusing and complex, and because of ongoing formal investigations, there are still a lot of questions unanswered.
But the government will continue to face sustained pressure about integrity – with the Premier's reputation on the line.
