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The Crisafulli government has announced that the inquiry into the Queensland branch of the CFMEU has commenced.
Geoffrey Watson SC’s recent report into the shocking allegations of violence persisting at the Queensland branch of the Construction, Forestry, and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) spurred the Crisafulli government to launch an inquiry into the branch – which has now expanded to the building industry as a whole.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli announced last week that the inquiry is already underway, led by commissioner Stuart Wood AM KC. The commission of inquiry is expected to last around 12 months, with allegations in Watson’s report set to be the precedent for the inquiry.
Watson – who was tasked by CFMEU administrator Mark Irving KC to investigate the branch – found the branch acted in a way that resembled a ruthless pursuit of “political, industrial, and financial power”, exemplified by the actions of branch leadership and its members.
“The CFMEU in Queensland actually intended to inflict physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse on others. The CFMEU used threats and coercion deliberately to cause fear. As will be seen, the CFMEU directed threats and intimidation at women and children,” said Watson.
The detailed report offered countless instances of violence against employers, employees, government officials, work health and safety staff – with women often being targeted by the branch and its members.
Crisafulli decided to expand the inquiry, with the broad terms of reference set to include the impact that misconduct within the construction industry has had on productivity in the Queensland economy, housing in Queensland, and transport infrastructure.
Wood will have the powers to compel documents and the attendance of witnesses – something Watson struggled with during his report.
Speaking on the inquiry, Deputy Premier and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie said: “Queenslanders want change, and we are delivering that change after 10 years of inaction by the former Labor government, which facilitated a protection racket for the CFMEU, in turn silencing victims and whistleblowers.
“The commission of inquiry will investigate this militant union’s standover tactics and deliver the culture change needed to restore safety and productivity to construction sites.
“The inquiry will ensure the rule of law is returned to the construction industry.
“Queenslanders can have faith that construction industry safety and culture change will be at the forefront of our plan to build the pipeline of infrastructure needed to build more homes, heal the health crisis, upgrade important road and rail links and deliver the best 2032 Games ever.”
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said: “The commission of inquiry will shine a light on the systemic misconduct and bullying that has been allowed to fester within the CFMEU and broader union movement.
“It is unacceptable that the former Labor government failed to take action on the CFMEU’s toxic culture, repeated abuse, and contempt for the law for almost a decade.
“For too long, victims have been silenced out of fear of retaliation, and we will no longer stand for this on Queensland worksites.”
Wood called on whistleblowers and others involved with CFMEU activities to come forward and assist the inquiry.
“All Queenslanders deserve workplaces that are safe, respectful and operate within the framework of the law,” he said.
“The commission has been given broad powers to examine the matters set out in the terms of reference. I encourage all members of the construction industry – workers, employers, contractors, and anyone with relevant information – to participate in this process.”
Kace O'Neill
Kace O'Neill is a Graduate Journalist for HR Leader. Kace studied Media Communications and Maori studies at the University of Otago, he has a passion for sports and storytelling.
