Alleged bikie threats spark CFMEU security overhaul

Private security guards have been stationed at the Queensland CFMEU office after union members allegedly received serious threats from bikies.

CFMEU members have allegedly had threats from bikies. Picture: David Clark

Private security guards have been stationed at the Queensland CFMEU office after members were allegedly threatened by bikies.

Security guards were hired and dispatched to offices in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney by the national CFMEU through administrator Mark Irving KC following serious threats made to union members.

It is understood both CFMEU staff and the Queensland administrator Travis O’Brien were informed of the decision on Monday afternoon and that security guards arrived at the state’s branch office about midday Tuesday.

A source told the Courier-Mail that threats had been made “up and down the eastern seaboard,” by persons believed to be involved in organised crime, including outlaw bikie gangs.

“Union members, including current members of the Queensland CFMEU, have been targeted by external criminal elements,” they said.

Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Murray Watt said he was “appalled” by the reports.

CFMEU Qld and NT members pictured at the Bowen Hills headquarters.

“I’m appalled by reports that Queensland-based union officials are being threatened by bikies and other figures, who resent their corrupt behaviour coming to an end,” he said.

“Every worker has the right to a safe workplace, including union officials.

“The Albanese Government fully supports the CFMEU administrator and union officials, who are working incredibly hard to eliminate corruption and ensure the union’s focus is the welfare of its members.

“There are avenues for people to provide information anonymously for investigation, and I’d strongly encourage anyone with knowledge to come forward and report criminal matters to police.”

Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie accused the union of being in “lockstep” with outlaw motorcycle gangs.

There is no evidence of gang or bikie affiliation with the Queensland branch.

“The jig is up when it comes to the close affiliation between bikie gangs and the CFMEU,” Mr Purdie said.

“Senior members of the (Labor) government refused to acknowledge there was any evidence of that, that we knew, and I think a lot of Queenslanders knew, particularly tradies and builders who work on these construction sites.

“But the CFMEU and bikie gangs have been operating in lockstep in this state for far too long.”

Mr Purdie assured Queenslanders that police were well resourced to respond to any potential organised crime links that could be identified by forensic investigation service KordaMentha who have been tasked with probing the Queensland CFMEU.

“As has been unravelling in Victoria overnight, and the federal government has acknowledged this is an issue, and the administrator has appointed security guards to guard the CFMEU buildings in Queensland from bikies,” he said.

“The bike gangs and their close links with the CFMEU will face the full force of the law in Queensland.”

Originally published as Alleged bikie threats spark CFMEU security overhaul