- Inquiry has uncovered damning allegations of bullying, intimidation and violence on Queensland worksites, as well as the CFMEU's relationship with the former Labor Government.
- Commissioner Stuart Wood AM KC requested the extension due to the volume of evidence and additional time needed to cross-examine relevant witnesses.
- The Crisafulli Government is committed to restoring integrity, transparency, productivity and safety across Queensland's construction industry.
The Crisafulli Government has granted an extension to the CFMEU Commission of Inquiry until 03 December 2027, following explosive evidence regarding the militant union's bullying and intimidation, as well as influence from the former Labor Government.
Commissioner Stuart Wood AM KC requested the extension due to the substantial volume of evidence, and additional time is needed to ensure relevant witnesses and affected parties have an opportunity to give evidence and be cross-examined.
The inquiry has already uncovered damning allegations of bullying, intimidation and violence on Queensland worksites, painting a deeply concerning picture of the CFMEU's conduct and influence.
Evidence before the inquiry has also canvassed the CFMEU's relationship with former Labor ministers, including allegations that former Labor Minister for State Development Grace Grace threatened to rip up a company's contract if it didn't give in to the CFMEU's demands.
The Commission has heard material that, if left unexplored, risks not being fully tested in public.
The extension will ensure the Commission has sufficient time to fully investigate the serious allegations that have emerged and continue its work exposing misconduct and corruption within the union and its political links.
The extension will allow for additional public hearings (in Brisbane and regional Queensland) and the presentation of further case studies, procedural fairness (specifically the cross-examination of key persons alleged to have engaged in wrongdoing), as well as further time and opportunity for additional submissions to be made prior to the final report.
Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Planning and Infrastructure, and Acting Attorney-General, Jarrod Bleijie said Queenslanders deserve to know the full extent of the CFMEU's conduct and its alleged links with, and influence on, the former Labor Government.
"The former Labor Government spent years turning a blind eye while a culture of intimidation and alleged corruption was allowed to fester out of control," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"The allegations aired before the inquiry regarding former Ministers, including claims about Grace Grace's threats to rip up contracts, are deeply concerning.
"This Commission of Inquiry has already uncovered shocking allegations of bullying, misogyny, intimidation and violence on Queensland worksites, and it is critical this work continues.
"That is why the Crisafulli Government has agreed to extend the Commission, to ensure every allegation can be thoroughly investigated and no stone is left unturned.
"We're committed to restoring integrity, transparency, productivity and safety across Queensland's construction industry and that means ensuring this Commission can complete it's important work and get the job done."
