- The Crisafulli Government has confirmed the terms of reference for the landmark Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU.
- Inquiry will lift the lid on a culture of systemic violence and intimidation with its broad terms of reference to spotlight potential criminality and financial irregularities within the Queensland branch.
- The Commission can hold public and private hearings as appropriate in a way that protects witnesses and whistle-blowers.
The Crisafulli Government's landmark Commission of Inquiry into the militant CFMEU will lift the lid on the 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.
The Commission of Inquiry is expected to last 12-months.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie has today announced 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.
The Crisafulli Government announced a Commission of Inquiry would be held into the militant CFMEU earlier this month, just days after a scathing report lifted the lid on the underbelly of Queensland's construction industry by Geoffrey Watson SC.
The damning Violence in the Queensland CFMEU report found the CFMEU's "campaign of violence" was likely planned and directed by the CFMEU against workers, women and children.
Concerningly, the report saw just 55 people interviewed over the course of the three-month investigation as many of those approached, including critical witnesses and victims, feared retribution.
Mr Watson himself said that: "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," he stated in the report.
"There was an obstinate refusal to co-operate from some critical witnesses with connections to the CFMEU. It seems, sadly, that CFMEU officials are afflicted with widespread memory loss."
The Crisafulli Government has previously referred the Watson report to the Queensland Police Service, for their consideration.
The Commission of Inquiry will have the powers to compel documents and the attendance of witnesses but also deliver necessary protections for witnesses and victims.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie said the Crisafulli Government was committed to restoring safety and productivity on Queensland job sites.
"This Commission of Inquiry will lift the lid on the underbelly of Queensland's construction industry with a broad terms of reference that will stamp out the standover tactics and potential criminality that we know is commonplace within the CFMEU's Queensland branch," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"We know that the Watson report barely scratched the surface on the CFMEU's systemic violence and protection rackets, facilitated by the former Labor Government – Queenslanders want change, and the Crisafulli Government is delivering that change.
"This Commission of Inquiry will put a spotlight on the bullies that have terrorised our Queensland construction industry for a decade and give critical witnesses and victims the confidence to come forward without fear of retribution – This is Labor's Fitzgerald moment."
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington welcomed the release of the terms of reference for the CFMEU Commission of Inquiry.
"This Inquiry will delve into the culture and actions of the CFMEU, allowing Queenslanders to know and understand the true extent of their impact and influence on Queensland's industrial relations and politics," the Attorney-General said.
"Our construction sites have been held captive to their demands for too long, but we are committed to addressing concerns around the CFMEU's intimidation and conduct.
"We will no longer stand for the CFMEU's malignant culture over worksites, and this Inquiry will help us to ensure all workers are treated with respect in Queensland."
Queensland Properly Council of Australia executive director Jess Caire said she was pleased to see the terms of reference released swiftly by the Crisafulli Government.
"The Terms reflect key concerns raised by industry and, critically, include appropriate protections for witnesses and whistleblowers," Ms Caire said.
"As laid bare in the Watson Report, a culture of retribution has left victims too afraid to come forward, so ensuring they feel safe and protected is essential if the Inquiry is to deliver the lasting reforms that are so urgently needed.
"This inquiry represents an historic opportunity to drive deep, systemic change across the building and construction sector in Queensland and to make worksites safer for everyone."
