Labor needs to tame or expel its corrupt union affiliates

Peter Beattie is right. But not only is disaffiliation almost inevitable, in the meantime the party should not accept any donations or affiliation fees.

Longer term they need to either beef up the QCCC in this area, or establish a standing commission, similar to the ABCC, but with a broader remit to look at all unions.

They should do this because it is the right thing to do.

They should also do it because, as history rhymes, ignoring it will bring its own reward. The Nationals tolerated Joh for too long and were flayed at the first electoral opportunity.

Peter Beattie moved as soon as the corruption became apparent, and turned a minority parliamentary position into one of the strongest majorities in Queensland's history.

Premier Palaszczuk needs to decide whether she wants to be Russell Cooper, or Peter Beattie.