A formal inquiry will investigate the alleged coercive and bullying culture within the CFMEU (Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union), as announced by the Queensland state government. This decision follows a critical report that highlighted the union’s pursuit of political and financial power through intimidation and illegal practices.
Premier David Crisafulli stated that a commission of inquiry is the most effective tool available to expose what he described as a “broken system.” He emphasized, “We owe it to Queenslanders to get to the bottom of the CFMEU’s intimidation, violence and bullying with a commission of inquiry.” The Premier condemned the alleged culture within the CFMEU, asserting that practices of violence and misogyny are unacceptable in Queensland.
The inquiry’s authority will allow it to compel witnesses to testify and to recommend potential criminal charges. This move comes after the construction and general division of the CFMEU was placed into administration across Australia in August 2023. The administration was prompted by allegations that organized crime figures had infiltrated the union.
Barrister Geoffrey Watson conducted a three-month investigation into the CFMEU’s operations, presenting his findings recently. He reported that some union officials attempted to obstruct the inquiry. Watson remarked, “There was an obstinate refusal to co-operate from some critical witnesses with connections to the CFMEU.” He expressed concern that his investigation only began to uncover the extent of the violence within the Queensland branch of the union.
Despite the challenges faced during the investigation, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie noted that the inquiry would provide protections for witnesses and compel the production of relevant documents. He described the inquiry as essential to address the “insidious militant behaviour that has terrorised Queensland for a decade.”
Crisafulli acknowledged the financial implications of the inquiry but did not disclose specific costs. He indicated that the government is currently developing the inquiry’s terms of reference and timing. The Premier highlighted numerous examples of workplace disruptions that, according to Watson’s report, were linked to protection rackets rather than legitimate labor disputes.
He detailed troubling incidents, stating, “Public offices stormed, women locked in rooms, independent family members harassed at where they work and where they play.” Crisafulli concluded that the situation is dire, asserting that “nothing short of a commission of inquiry will fix it.”
As the inquiry unfolds, it is expected to shine a light on the inner workings of the CFMEU in Queensland and potentially lead to significant changes within the organization and the broader labor landscape.
