CFMEU Commission Of Inquiry Underway

JOINT STATEMENT
  • Stuart Wood AM KC appointed by Governor in Council as Commissioner to lead landmark CFMEU Inquiry.
  • Director-General Bob Gee appointed Commission of Inquiry secretary.
  • Inquiry commences today.

The Crisafulli Government has today announced the landmark Commission of Inquiry into the militant CFMEU, starting today, will be led by Stuart Wood AM KC.

The Commission of Inquiry, which is expected to last 12-months, will also be overseen by Bob Gee as secretary, who will take leave from his role as Director-General of the Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support following the Budget Estimates hearings.

The landmark Inquiry into the militant CFMEU was announced earlier this month just days after a scathing report – Violence in the Queensland CFMEU by Geoffrey Watson SC – lifted the lid on the underbelly of Queensland's construction industry.

Mr Watson said: "I fear this investigation only scratched the surface of the violence in the Queensland CFMEU".

"There are many other potential witnesses and many other stories which could have been told."

The Crisafulli Government's Commission of Inquiry will lift the lid on the CFMEU's culture of systemic violence and intimidation with its broad terms of reference to spotlight potential criminality, organised crime links and financial irregularities in the union.

It will have the powers to compel documents and the attendance of witnesses but also deliver necessary protections for victims and whistleblowers.

Appointed as Commissioner by Governor in Council, Mr Wood AM KC has extensive experience, having developed a leading practice in the field of employment and labour law over the last 30 years. He has appeared in the High Court of Australia, Federal Court, and Supreme Courts in thousands of cases.

He was appointed King's Counsel in 2014 and is a member of both the Queensland and Victorian Bars. In 2019, Mr Wood AM KC was appointed to the Order of Australia for significant service to the legal profession, particularly in the area of industrial relations.

Mr Gee previously served as Director-General of the Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training, Deputy Commissioner for the Queensland Police Service and State Disaster Coordinator.

The Commission of Inquiry's broad terms of reference which will explore evidence of, and allegations concerning:

  • Instances of misconduct making workplaces unsafe or uncomfortable for women.
  • The systemic nature of misconduct involving current and former leadership figures within the CFMEU.
  • The involvement of organised crime or other criminal elements or identities with the CFMEU and in the Construction Industry.
  • Irregularities in financial dealings by the CFMEU, including cash transfers and contracts.

The broad terms of reference will also look at the impact of misconduct on productivity in the Queensland economy and the construction industry, housing in Queensland, and transport infrastructure with specific regard to the Bruce Highway, Gold Coast Light Rail, Cross River Rail and Centenary Bridge.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie said the Crisafulli Government promised Queenslanders swift action to define terms of reference and appoint a Commissioner for the landmark Inquiry.

"We promised Queenslanders that our terms of reference and Commissioner would be finalised by next month and we are delivering as quickly as we can," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

"Queenslanders want change, and we are delivering that change after 10 years of inaction by the former Labor Government, which facilitated a protection racket for the CFMEU, in turn silencing victims and whistle-blowers.

"Both Stuart and Bob bring a wealth of experience to these appointments as we continue to lift the lid on the underbelly of the Queensland construction industry.

"The Commission of Inquiry will investigate this militant union's standover tactics and deliver the culture change needed to restore safety and productivity to construction sites.

"The Inquiry will ensure the rule of law is returned to the construction industry.

"Queenslanders can have faith that construction industry safety and culture change will be at the forefront of our plan to build the pipeline of infrastructure needed to build more homes, heal the health crisis, upgrade important road and rail links and deliver the best 2032 Games ever."

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the Commission of Inquiry would shine a spotlight on the CFMEU's systemic misconduct and bullying.

"The Commission of Inquiry will shine a light on the systemic misconduct and bullying that has been allowed to fester within the CFMEU and broader union movement," the Attorney-General said.

"It is unacceptable that the former Labor Government failed to take action on the CFMEU's toxic culture, repeated abuse, and contempt for the law for almost a decade.

"For too long victims have been silenced out of fear of retaliation and we will no longer stand for this on Queensland worksites."

CFMEU Commission of Inquiry Commissioner Stuart John Wood AM KC said the Commission of Inquiry would be conducted with the thoroughness and rigour Queenslanders deserve.

"I am delighted to accept this appointment as Commissioner for the Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU," Mr Wood said.

"This inquiry represents a significant responsibility, and I am committed to conducting it with the thoroughness and rigour the people of Queensland deserve.

"This Commission of Inquiry serves an important public interest for Queensland. The construction industry plays a vital role in the state's economy and the wellbeing of workers and their families.

"All Queenslanders deserve workplaces that are safe, respectful and operate within the framework of the law."

"The Commission has been given broad powers to examine the matters set out in the terms of reference. I encourage all members of the construction industry - workers, employers, contractors, and anyone with relevant information - to participate in this process."

CFMEU Commission of Inquiry secretary Bob Gee said it had been a privilege to serve the public for the last 40 years, including as Director-General across five departments.

"It's also been a privilege to work with the Minister for Youth Justice Laura Gerber and to lead huge reforms in the youth justice sector," Mr Gee said.

"With almost 40 years of service to the public it is an honour to take on the position of secretary of a Commission which will help advance Queensland's economy and society.

"I have an unwavering commitment to due process."

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