Tony Fitzgerald Scholarship Fund
Background
Events in Queensland, which directly led to the Fitzgerald Inquiry, began in early 1987. The Courier Mail reporter, Phil Dickie, published a series of articles describing the prostitution and illegal gambling rackets flourishing in Brisbane, allegedly with police protection. On 11 May, the ABC Four Corners program Queensland – The Moonlight State went to air about similar issues. In the wake of public disquiet, Queensland Police Minister and Deputy Premier, Mr Bill Gunn, announced on 26 May (while Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen was overseas) a formal inquiry to examine the various allegations.
The Key decision was to invite one of the State’s leading QC’s, Mr Gerald Edward (Tony) Fitzgerald, to chair the inquiry. Over 180 people worked directly on the inquiry. Police who initially assisted put their careers ‘on the line’. A vigilant media kept the Inquiry in the public eye. The Inquiry began on 20 July 1987. On 3 July 1989, the Fitzgerald Inquiry in Queensland ended with the delivery of the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Possible Illegal Activities and Associated Police Misconduct by Commission Chairman Tony Fitzgerald AC to the Premier of Queensland, the Hon Mike Ahern MP.
The Inquiry’s recommendations for systematic reform were designed to correct institutional deficiencies. The Fitzgerald vision was to restore Parliament to its rightful place at the centre of the democratic system with the community and media entrusted with an active role to keep the system open and honest.
Scholarship Program
Maintenance of this democratic balance requires constant vigilance and the confidence to speak out. Reform must keep pace with our evolving political landscape. We have created a dedicated ongoing Scholarship Fund that will support future practitioners and researchers who wish to focus their study upon issues that will contribute to the Fitzgerald Report’s legacy of reform.
The Griffith University - Tony Fitzgerald Scholarship Fund will support a Doctor of Philosophy student to conduct a three year research project that reflects the ethos of the Fitzgerald Inquiry, drawn from areas, including criminology, journalism, law, political science, and public administration. The prestigious scholarship will contribute to the capacity of our future practitioners and researchers to maintain the Fitzgerald vision.
Every gift makes a difference
If you would like to give to the Griffith University – Tony Fitzgerald Scholarship Fund, please make a donation online or contact Emma Blaikie, Development and Alumni Coordinator.
For further information please contact:
Ms Emma Blaikie
Development and Alumni Coordinator (AEL)
Griffith University
From within Australia:
Telephone: (07) 3735 6547
Mobile: 0418 719 251
From outside Australia:
Telephone: +61 7 3735 6547
Mobile: +61 418 719 251
Email: e.blaikie@griffith.edu.au
Events in Queensland, which directly led to the Fitzgerald Inquiry, began in early 1987. The Courier Mail reporter, Phil Dickie, published a series of articles describing the prostitution and illegal gambling rackets flourishing in Brisbane, allegedly with police protection. On 11 May, the ABC Four Corners program Queensland – The Moonlight State went to air about similar issues. In the wake of public disquiet, Queensland Police Minister and Deputy Premier, Mr Bill Gunn, announced on 26 May (while Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen was overseas) a formal inquiry to examine the various allegations.
The Key decision was to invite one of the State’s leading QC’s, Mr Gerald Edward (Tony) Fitzgerald, to chair the inquiry. Over 180 people worked directly on the inquiry. Police who initially assisted put their careers ‘on the line’. A vigilant media kept the Inquiry in the public eye. The Inquiry began on 20 July 1987. On 3 July 1989, the Fitzgerald Inquiry in Queensland ended with the delivery of the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Possible Illegal Activities and Associated Police Misconduct by Commission Chairman Tony Fitzgerald AC to the Premier of Queensland, the Hon Mike Ahern MP.
The Inquiry’s recommendations for systematic reform were designed to correct institutional deficiencies. The Fitzgerald vision was to restore Parliament to its rightful place at the centre of the democratic system with the community and media entrusted with an active role to keep the system open and honest.
Scholarship Program
Maintenance of this democratic balance requires constant vigilance and the confidence to speak out. Reform must keep pace with our evolving political landscape. We have created a dedicated ongoing Scholarship Fund that will support future practitioners and researchers who wish to focus their study upon issues that will contribute to the Fitzgerald Report’s legacy of reform.
The Griffith University - Tony Fitzgerald Scholarship Fund will support a Doctor of Philosophy student to conduct a three year research project that reflects the ethos of the Fitzgerald Inquiry, drawn from areas, including criminology, journalism, law, political science, and public administration. The prestigious scholarship will contribute to the capacity of our future practitioners and researchers to maintain the Fitzgerald vision.
Every gift makes a difference
If you would like to give to the Griffith University – Tony Fitzgerald Scholarship Fund, please make a donation online or contact Emma Blaikie, Development and Alumni Coordinator.
For further information please contact:
Ms Emma Blaikie
Development and Alumni Coordinator (AEL)
Griffith University
From within Australia:
Telephone: (07) 3735 6547
Mobile: 0418 719 251
From outside Australia:
Telephone: +61 7 3735 6547
Mobile: +61 418 719 251
Email: e.blaikie@griffith.edu.au