Editor’s view: They all let us down – now let the reckoning begin
The full extent of the CFMEU’s lawless behaviour over the past decade is about to be exposed, writes the editor.
The full extent of the lawless behaviour of the militant construction union the CFMEU over the past decade is about to be exposed.
This exposure is critical, for three reasons: that justice is done, that the union movement learns from this shameful episode, and that future politicians are reminded they will be held to account for their actions.
Today the commission of inquiry into the union’s shocking behaviour will hold its first hearing, the first public step in a probe that could take up to a year to run its course.
What will be uncovered by this inquiry will shock Queenslanders.
We know that because an initial review undertaken by Geoffrey Watson SC at the behest of the union’s administrator uncovered such shocking wrongdoing that it had to include a warning: “Some of which follows in this report will certainly be distressing to some readers. It includes violence and threats toward women and, in one instance, toward a child.”
The account of the threats, the violence, the misogyny and the political interference by the CFMEU in Queensland that followed – just in that initial review – was appalling.
And it was based on the evidence of just 55 people who were brave enough to speak to Mr Watson.
There is no doubt the investigation only just scratched the surface of what has been going on – a concession the report made.
Mr Watson is due to give evidence this week, along with union administrator Mark Irving KC. Expect fireworks.
Mr Irving’s response to Mr Watson’s review included this line: “Those (union leaders) responsible were so arrogant and believed themselves to be so untouchable that the evidence against them is overwhelming.
“Any argument that these actions are in the realm of acceptable industrial tactics in response to employer action is wholly rejected
“The behaviour is deplorable, shameful and unworthy of those who serve the union.”
And Mr Irving went on, suggesting the issue was not just with a few rogue leaders but that it ran deep in the union’s culture: “Hostile, angry crowds of men calling people c**ts and dogs and sellouts is a breach of the CFMEU’s own definition of acceptable behaviour at a workplace. (It is) deplorable, shameful and unworthy.”
Well, the reckoning is finally coming. As we revealed yesterday, a special investigative team has been established to help the inquiry, with members seconded from the Queensland Police Service and the Crime and Corruption Commission. The team will have full access to police records.
This is entirely appropriate, and necessary.
We do not know what else the team might uncover, but note the commission of inquiry’s terms of reference include investigating any infiltration of the union movement by criminal gangs.
Industrial Relations Minister Jarrod Bleijie presciently said in July: “It’s important that this royal commission has all the powers necessary and all the terms of reference as sufficiently broad as possible to investigate not only the industrial disputation that we’ve seen over the last 10 years on construction sites, but also the underworld, underbelly, criminal activity, criminal gang links.”
There will also be a political reckoning here, as there should be. As we have noted in this column before, Queenslanders were let down over several years by a series of meek Labor ministers who either deliberately turned a blind eye to, or defended the industrial behaviour, of the CFMEU (some while mocking The Courier-Mail’s reporting that exposed some of the wrongdoing).
This will forever be a stain on that government and its leadership team, as it should be. By its leaders cowardly giving into – and then defending – ridiculous demands for pay and conditions, Queensland became the most expensive state to build stuff in, making house purchases and renovations far more expensive and leading to choices about hospital and school builds having to be made on cost not need.
They let us all down.
Their cowardice, of course, also emboldened the bullies, and so it likely also fuelled some of the shocking behaviour uncovered by the Watson review – that this full commission of inquiry will look even more deeply into.
We assume the inquiry will call former Labor ministers to the stand as part of its hearings over the next year. We know some former ministers have already sought legal advice. It will be fascinating to hear their excuses.
But it is critical we do.
In terms of justice being done, those directly responsible must be held to account.
In terms of a lesson to future politicians: What we will see is a reminder that the power you have while in office comes with serious responsibility.
It is never a game.
Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here
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