CFMEU’s bold move: Embattled union cuts ties with ousted leaders

The Courier-Mail can exclusively reveal that the Queensland CFMEU has formally cut ties with ousted leaders Michael Ravbar and Jade Ingham in a bold move for the embattled union.

Jade Ingham and Michael Ravbar at a CFMEU protest in Queens Gardens, Brisbane City, when they were both assistant state secretaries. Photo: Steve Pohlner.

The Queensland CFMEU has formally cut ties with ousted leaders Michael Ravbar and Jade Ingham in a bold move to chart a new course for the embattled union, it can be revealed.

In a statement to members, the state branch has declared it will no longer be “influenced” by past officials, separating itself from the Ravbar-Ingham regime for the first time in more than two decades.

It is understood the union has also organised meetings with major builders and contractors on Queensland construction sites to discuss ways to improve productivity and will foster positive relationships with all unions including the Queensland Council of Unions.

L to R, Michael Ravbar with Jade Ingham, at the CFMEU headquarters in July 2023. Photo: Steve Pohlner.

It comes after Geoffrey Watson SC released a scathing report into the Queensland branch earlier this month, revealing that the union used violence, threats and intimidation in its pursuit of political, financial and industrial power.

The report laid bare shocking examples of “violent, cruel and misogynist” abuse described by Administrator Mark Irving KC as “a betrayal of the core values of unionism”.

It prompted the state government to launch a Commission of Inquiry to further investigate the testimonies made in the Watson Review and the toxic culture designed under the Ravbar-Ingham leadership.

The CFMEU on Friday acknowledged the report, in an official statement endorsed by all union officials and staff members in Queensland.

“The officials and staff of the CFMEU QLD/NT understand the significant work ahead for our branch to regain the trust of the community and repair relations with the union movement,” the statement said.

Former CFMEU state secretary Micheal Ravbar at a union rally in Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston

“Violence, intimidation and misogyny have no place in our union or our industries. These behaviours are contrary to union values.”

The Queensland branch said it would no longer tolerate behaviour that brings the union into disrepute, declaring it would no longer be influenced by the shadow control of past officials.

“Our current officials all come from the shop floor. They are carpenters, stonemasons, steel fixers, plasterers, painters, riggers, glaziers, pilers, labourers, concreters and scaffolders,” it said.

“The priority of every official and staff member is to unify the QLD/NT branch behind a common purpose.

“We will not be influenced by past officials seeking to divide and mislead members, and we will not tolerate behaviour that brings our union or our industries into disrepute.

“No individual is bigger than this union.”

Michael Ravbar with Jade Ingham at a CFMEU protest in Queens Gardens, Brisbane City. Photo: Steve Pohlner

In a statement released to the Courier-Mail, Mr Ravbar said the Watson Review was “riddled with errors” and based on “selective and untested” accounts. He also called claims that he and another man locked a female public servant in a site office for 15 minutes, “baseless”.

Ingham said on social media he “utterly rejected” the contents of the report.

The CFMEU says it will maintain its focus on safe worksites and will continue to hold rallies and strikes, but with a renewed focus on making a positive contribution to the industry as the state prepares to deliver a record infrastructure pipeline and the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

QCU secretary Jacqueline King welcomed the CFMEU’s public statement and said the council looked forward to repairing its relationship with the union.

“We have called on the former removed leadership of the CFMEU Queensland Branch to take ownership and responsibility for the conduct that occurred under their watch which is summarised in the Watson Report,” she said.

“We recognise that some changes have already started to occur.”