Landmark inquiry to probe whether Palaszczuk government enabled militant union

Queensland's landmark CFMEU inquiry will probe government policies that enabled union misconduct and recommend criminal prosecutions for anyone who assisted illegal behaviour.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie at the CFMEU mural on the corner of Alice and George Streets in Brisbane. Photo: Supplied.

A landmark inquiry into the militant CFMEU will investigate if the Palaszczuk government policies enabled the union’s behaviour and make recommendations for any criminal prosecutions.

The terms of reference for the 12-month commission of inquiry into the Queensland CFMEU are set to be revealed by Industrial Relations Minister Jarrod Bleijie on Wednesday during the second day of budget estimates hearings.

This masthead can exclusively reveal it will include investigating intentional, deliberate or reckless breaching of laws as an integral part of the CFMEU’s business model, and the potential involvement of organised crime or other criminal elements or identities with the CFMEU and in the wider construction industry.

Mr Bleijie will dub the inquiry “Labor’s Fitzgerald moment”. It is set to determine if any “current or prior law or policy” has enabled or supported the CFMEU.

It will also investigate if any individual or entity should be referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Queensland for prosecution.

The CFMEU protesting out the front of their Bowen Hills Office. Picture: David Clark

Delays created by the union on major infrastructure sites – the Bruce Highway, Cross River Rail, Centenary Bridge and the Gold Coast Light Rail is also in the remit of the inquiry.

Suspicious financial transactions and the CFMEU sub branch “Youth Crew” will be analysed, as will the union’s use of social media.

It follows a damning report by corruption buster Geoffrey Watson SC whose three-month investigation into the Queensland branch found a culture of systemic violence, misogyny and coercion under the former leadership of Michael Ravbar and Jade Ingham.

Unlike the government’s Commission of Inquiry, the Watson review was unable to compel union members or affiliates to be interviewed, with findings referred to police for potential criminal investigation.

“I fear this investigation only scratched the surface,” Mr Watson wrote.

L to R, Michael Ravbar with Jade Ingham in 2023. Photo: Steve Pohlner

The Commission of Inquiry will also have the powers to compel documents and the attendance of witnesses but also deliver necessary protections for witnesses and victims.

Mr Bleijie is expected to reveal the Commissioner to head the inquiry later this week.

“This Commission of Inquiry will lift the lid on the underbelly of Queensland’s construction industry with a broad terms of reference that will stamp out the standover tactics and potential criminality that we know is commonplace within the CFMEU’s Queensland branch,” he said.

“(It) will put a spotlight on the bullies that have terrorised our Queensland construction industry for a decade and give critical witnesses and victims the confidence to come forward without fear of retribution.

“This is Labor’s Fitzgerald moment.”

Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the inquiry would unveil the “true extent” of the impact of the CFMEU on Queensland industrial relations and politics.

“Our construction sites have been held captive to their demands for too long, but we are committed to addressing concerns around the CFMEU’s intimidation and conduct,” she said.

“We will no longer stand for the CFMEU’s malignant culture over worksites, and this inquiry will help us to ensure all workers are treated with respect in Queensland.”

Originally published as Landmark inquiry to probe whether Palaszczuk government enabled militant union