- The Crisafulli Government's first Budget delivers an additional $55 million for Centenary Bridge Upgrade project, getting it on track after years of CFMEU disruption.
- The militant union's physical threats and actions to block deliveries at the project are estimated to have cost Queenslanders $22 million in direct costs, with millions more in indirect costs due to delays.
- Costs are a result of approximately 70 days of delays and disruption since February 2024.
- The Crisafulli Government has announced a Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU, following revelations in the 'Violence in Queensland CFMEU' report.
The Crisafulli Government's first Budget has delivered an additional $55 million to complete the Centenary Bridge Upgrade following years of disruption and lawlessness driven by the CFMEU.
The militant tactics have repeatedly blown out the construction schedule causing major interruptions to workflow and escalating costs, while Brisbane commuters endure daily traffic gridlocks.
Since February 2024, approximately 70 days of work have been delayed or disrupted due to CFMEU led action, including physical threats to workers and tactics aimed at delaying the project such as blocking critical deliveries.
The direct cost of the CFMEU activity, which includes delaying site access for deliveries and workers, as well as additional security to keep the site safe, is anticipated to have cost at least $22 million, with millions in additional indirect costs flowing on due to the delays caused by the CFMEU action.
The situation deteriorated to the point where additional security personnel were employed and CCTV cameras installed to protect staff from violent and bullying behaviour by CFMEU representatives.
The Labor Party protected and enabled this behaviour for a decade resulting in delays and cost blowouts on Government worksites across Queensland.
It follows the Crisafulli Government's announcement of a landmark Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU Queensland branch, shining a spotlight on a culture of violence, misogyny and intimidation, exposed in a damning report by Geoffrey Watson SC.
The former Labor Government was sitting on $6.7 billion of secret project blowouts across Queensland's road and transport pipeline, which they failed to disclose before the election.
One of these was the Centenary Bridge Upgrade project which was previously budgeted for $298.5 million in last year's QTRIP, the cost has now escalated to $353.5 million with the Crisafulli Government injecting $55 million to get the project back on track.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the CFMEU's culture of violence and intimidation was over.
"Their recklessness and lawlessness are costing taxpayers," Minister Mickelberg said.
"Their tactics are making taxpayers wait in traffic instead of getting home sooner to their families.
"Unlike Labor, we stand firmly against the CFMEU's culture of violence, bullying, and intimidation. We are committed to restoring safety and the rule of law on Queensland construction sites."
