CFMEU probe into Queensland violence to target ex-union officials and bosses

The investigation will target employers as well as former union officials.

CFMEU administrator Mark Irving has launched a major probe into the Queensland construction industry. Picture: Alex Coppel

CFMEU administrator Mark Irving has launched a new inquiry into violence, threats of violence and menacing conduct across the Queensland construction industry, targeting alleged conduct by former union officials and employees as well as employers.

Mr Irving accused former CFMEU officials of allowing themselves to be drawn into a culture of violence and to be caught up in a cycle of retaliation against employers, rival unions and those who stood up against the union’s leadership.

Upon taking on the job last year, Mr Irving purged personnel accused of engaging in violence and corruption, suspending six organisers and a staff member from the Queensland branch and two organisers in Victoria.

On Tuesday, he made clear the new inquiry would not be confined to former CFMEU officials and would investigate employers who had allegedly engaged in violence and menacing conduct. Labelling the alleged conduct as “unacceptable in any workplace”, Mr Irving said the inquiry would seek assistance from police, regulators, employers and “others in the union movement”.

“The inquiry will concern conduct by employees of the union, former officials and also employers in the industry who engage in violence and menacing conduct,” he said. “Under the past leadership, the union weakened its industrial position and made itself a target by allowing itself to be drawn into, perpetuating and failing to confront a culture of violence and being caught up in a cycle of retaliation against employers, other unions, and those who stood up to the former leadership,” he said.

“Current and former employees of the union will be required to co-operate in exposing the culture of violence. Action will be taken against any employer which seeks to victimise or target delegates and members who cooperate with the investigation.”

The announcement of the probe came after the resignation of barrister Travis O’Brien, who was appointed last year to lead the clean-up of the Queensland branch.

A spokesperson said Mr O’Brien had taken on the challenging role during a very difficult time for the union but had decided it was the “right time for him to return to the Bar”.

It follows Grahame McCulloch, the former academics’ union leader appointed to take over the Victorian CFMEU, abruptly resigning just weeks into the job in response to allegations he acted inappropriately towards female administrative staff.

The inquiry also comes after a NSW CFMEU organiser’s car was firebombed in the early hours of Monday morning.

Mr Irving said the firebombing had been referred to the NSW Police Force and the administration “will do everything in its power to ensure all lines of inquiry are explored by responsible authorities”.

“All workers in the construction industry, including CFMEU organisers, should be safe at work and no one should be exposed to criminal violence,” he said.

“Criminal figures in the construction industry must be held to account.”

The government, Mr Irving and the former CFMEU leadership are awaiting the outcome of a High Court challenge against the federal laws allowing the takeover of the union. A decision is expected in weeks.