CFMEU members removed from Queensland Major Contractors Association event

Two CFMEU members have been thrown out of a building convention moments before a major plan to pause pro-union practices was announced.

Two CFMEU members have been thrown out of a building convention moments before Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie unveiled plans to immediately pause pro-union practices on government projects.

Mr Bleijie confirmed the newly elected government’s plan to pause the use of best practice industry conditions (BPICs) on new government-funded construction projects until a review had been completed.

Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie says the government will temporarily pause best practice industry conditions. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

The decision comes after Treasury modelling revealed that if BPIC continued in its current form, rent would increase by 7 per cent rent over the next five years in Queensland and an estimated 22,000 homes would not be built.

Speaking at the Queensland Major Contractors Association event at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC), Mr Bleijie said the decision to pause BPIC was a way to stem any budget blowouts for these types of projects.

“We need to urgently control the cost blowouts of government-funded construction projects, which ultimately hits the hip pockets of Queensland families and businesses,” Mr Bleijie said.

“Queenslanders shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of this which is why we’ve ordered this pause and review.

“It will also give subcontractors, especially small and family businesses and regional firms, a greater chance of securing work on government projects without all the costs and time involved in having to gain unnecessary prequalification.”

However, moments before the major announcement, two men wearing shirts embroidered with the name “CFMEU”, shouted out during a panel discussion, according to the Courier Mail.

Two CFMEU members were removed by security and police after shouting during the Queensland Major Contractors Association breakfast in Brisbane. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

The two CFMEU members tried to ask a question during the event. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

It’s understood their attempts to ask questions were thwarted when someone in the crowd yelled out “that’s enough from you, shut up”.

Police were called to escort the men out after they declined to leave the venue despite requests from BCEC security.

The Queensland government’s decision to pause BPIC will apply to new projects and those that have not yet reached procurement stage.

BPICs have applied to government construction projects costing more than $100m.

It also sets conditions on employment terms and requires the prequalification of contractors and subcontractors before being able to undertake major government project work, which critics have argued limits the pool of available contractors and subcontractors.

Mr Bleijie says the decision will help improve productivity. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Housing and Public Works Minister Sam O’Connor said energy projects would also be impacted by BPICs.

“Independent Treasury modelling shows Queenslanders will pay more to rent a home and there will be fewer homes built in our state under the current BPIC conditions. It would be irresponsible to ignore this advice in the face of a housing crisis,” Mr O’Connor said.

“If BPICs were to continue, they would also apply to energy and storage projects implemented by government-owned corporations, placing upward pressure on electricity prices and household cost of living.”

Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said pausing BPICs would allow for new projects to go ahead without additional overheads.

“We will honour existing contracts and work with industry as best as we can to help deliver those on time and on budget,” he said.

Originally published as CFMEU members removed from Queensland Major Contractors Association event