Queensland extends term of CCC chair Bruce Barbour, a former NSW casino regulator
The Queensland Government has re-appointed Bruce Barbour as Chairperson and Jen O’Farrell as CEO of the state’s Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC), in a move aimed at strengthening the agency’s role in upholding integrity.
Barbour will now continue as Chair until 1 July 2028, following a three-year term. He previously served as an Ordinary Commissioner from May 2021 to January 2022 and as Acting Chair in early 2022. His earlier roles include serving as NSW Ombudsman for 15 years and being a member of the NSW Casino Control Authority.
O’Farrell has also been re-appointed for a further three years, with her new term running until 23 August 2028. She has been CEO of the CCC since August 2018. Her past roles include Executive Director of the Queensland Greyhound Racing Industry Commission of Inquiry, General Manager and Director of Legal Services at the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and solicitor.
Leadership stability
The appointments follow new laws introduced by the Crisafulli Government aimed at increasing the CCC’s reporting powers and restoring public trust.
“I am pleased to provide this key integrity agency with continued stability through these reappointments,” said Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington. She added, “Mr Barbour has served with distinction, has been apolitical and has displayed a highly independent approach to the valued position.”
“Queensland’s peak anti-corruption agency is of the utmost importance to everyone, something for our State to be proud of. Allegations of corruption must be thoroughly investigated by an independent authority and both Mr Barbour and Ms O’Farrell will continue to provide stable stewardship to the CCC. Our new laws have strengthened the vital work of the CCC to uphold integrity, transparency and accountability across government.”
Both reappointments were made with the bipartisan support of the Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee.
Action on casino regulation
Queensland has recently taken action against casino operators, including The Star Entertainment Group, which was found unsuitable to hold a casino licence after a government review. Disciplinary measures were taken following the Gotterson Review, and the government has extended the suspension of The Star Gold Coast’s casino licence until 30 September 2025.
