CFMEU Dave Hanna directed to mediation over work site threats

FORMER CFMEU boss Dave Hanna was today directed to go to mediation over charges that he acted improperly by threatening a worker at a Brisbane site.

Former CFMEU boss Dave Hanna leaves the Federal Circuit Court in Brisbane, Monday, March 7, 2015. Mr Hanna allegedly raised his middle finger, swore and sprayed water on managers of a Brisbane construction site after he was asked to provide right-of-entry permits for the Fortitude Valley site in February last year. (AAP Image/Dan Peled) NO ARCHIVING

FORMER CFMEU boss Dave Hanna was today directed to go to mediation over charges that he acted improperly by threatening to stuff a phone down a manager’s throat at a work site.

Mr Hanna also allegedly sprayed water on the man’s face and gave another man “the finger” after storming onto a Fortitude Valley construction site last year.

It is alleged Mr Hanna, the former CFMEU state president, entered the Broadway on Ann construction site on February 10 last year without permission.

He is charged with breaching right of entry laws and acting in an improper manner, in contravention of the Fair Work Act, and is facing a fine of $10,800.

“I think it’s bizarre. I’m an unemployed ex-union official, “ Mr Hanna said outside the Federal Circuit Court in Brisbane today.

“They’re going over issues from a site that actually a worker died on that job that started it.

“You’ve got to put things in perspective. They’re going for a right of entry case and others, but nothing’s happened about the fatality on that job. So no one charged for manslaughter.”

When asked if he would be denying the charges, Mr Hanna said it was too early to comment as he was yet to see any of the Director of the Fair Work Building Inspectorate’s evidence against him.

Judge Sal Vasta today ordered Mr Hanna, the CFMEU, which also is facing charges, and the Fair Work Building Inspectorate to try to mediate.

Judge Vasta said if the matter had not resolved the case would be back before the court on July 18.

It is alleged on the day of the incident, Mr Hanna ignored repeated requests for him to return to the site office.

He instead proceeded to the basement level of the project, where he told a site supervisor he was meeting with “my workers”.

When asked for his entry permit, it is alleged Mr Hanna gave “the finger” and said he did not need one.

When told he was trespassing, Mr Hanna allegedly said he could do what he liked.

When the contracts manager began videoing Mr Hanna on his mobile phone, Mr Hanna allegedly squirted water in his face, on his shirt and on his phone.

Mr Hanna allegedly said: “Take that phone away or I’ll f ... ing bury it down your throat. You ask me if you want to take a picture of me. You ask me.”

He then used a worker’s swipe card to leave with a number of employees for a half-hour meeting.

The CFMEU is facing charges that carry penalties up to $54,000.