An inquiry into the CFMEU in Queensland revealed that union officials were transported to interviews during a probe into violence and intimidation by an individual later charged with murder. The inquiry also heard about potential misconduct, lack of cooperation from CFMEU figures, and the adoption of a ‘turf war’ mentality mirroring actions in other states.
A CFMEU representative who was subsequently charged with murder drove union officials to interviews during an independent probe investigating allegations of violence and intimidation, a commission of inquiry has heard.
in the Queensland branch of the union that included threats and intimidation of women and children, suggested the inquiry investigate claims those who took part in his investigation were transported by ousted union boss Jade Ingham or his “stepbrother or a half-brother”, Anthony Perrett. On the opening day of the highly anticipated inquiry, Watson revealed he had been told officials were driven to meetings with him by either Ingham or Perrett – a detail he suggested the inquiry ought to “look for”. “They were driven there by that man and given a tape recorder by either Ingham or that man,” Watson said – noting he had invited all people he spoke with to record interviews themselves if they wished.into criminality, corruption and misconduct in the CFMEU and construction industry nationwide. Under questioning from counsel assisting the inquiry Mark Costello, Watson also said interviews with CFMEU figures were “hopeless without exception”, given their stated lack of memory of events or answers undermined by video footage he himself had seen of “instances of violence”.Watson told the inquiry he suspected the Queensland branch of the CFMEU aimed to emulate notorious former Victorian union boss John Setka, who seized power and froze out rival construction union, the Australian Workers’ Union, on big tunnel, rail and bridge infrastructure projects.This turf war mentality was clearly adopted by former Queensland-based CFMEU leaders Ingham and Michael Ravbar, according to Watson. “I really do look at what had happened here in Queensland is that people in leadership positions had seen what had happened in Victoria,” he told the inquiry. “What had happened was Setka had pushed the AWU off all of the civil work … now how did they do that? They terrified the contractors. “Now I am 100 per cent confident that the people in Queensland, Mr Ravbar, Mr Ingham, they’ve seen that success and said, ‘We can do the same thing.’ “And if you remember, a lot of the troubles really ramped up in Queensland around the time that you had massive infrastructure projects, which is tunnels, railways, things which normally fall within the jurisdiction of the AWU.” Watson said the CFMEU’s reputation as a feared organisation that disregarded the law was a deliberate strategy it “revelled” in. “They wanted the reputation of being outlaws and taking themselves outside the law and willing to do what was necessary to acquire more power,” he told the inquiry. “This actually was their business model, their business model was to be feared by everybody – ‘if you negotiate with us, do not think for a second we’re going to obey the law. We will act outside the law.’ “Everybody knew, and by this I do mean people like for example the AWU or the contractors, that if they were stopping a concrete pour today, they’ll do it again tomorrow.”is a reporter at Brisbane Times covering state politics and the public service. He has previously worked for newspapers in Tasmania and Brisbane community radio station 4ZZZ. Contact him securely on Signal @mattdennien.15is the News Director at the Brisbane Times. He is the former Queensland correspondent at The Australian Financial Review and has reported for a range of mastheads across the country, specialising on political and finance reporting.
CFMEU Inquiry Union Violence Misconduct
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
AI-Driven Publishing Scam Dupes Aspiring Authors GloballyAn international network of book publishing websites in Australia, the UK, and New Zealand is suspected of using AI-generated content, fake testimonials, and virtual offices to defraud aspiring authors, leading to an investigation by the Australian National Anti-Scam Centre. The websites mimic established publishers, potentially stealing content and misleading writers into paying for services.
Read more ”
Queensland CFMEU Inquiry Begins Hearings, Focusing on Alleged MisconductThe Queensland Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU launched its first hearings this week, examining allegations of misconduct, including violence, intimidation, and bullying within the construction union. The inquiry, led by commissioner Michael Wood, will hear from key witnesses and explore the findings of the Watson report, which details specific allegations against former CFMEU officials. The investigation aims to determine the extent of the misconduct and the responsibilities of those involved.
Read more ”
First witnesses to be called in Queensland’s CFMEU inquiryThe first witnesses will be heard today in Queensland&x27;s Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU and Misconduct in the Construction Industry.
Read more ”
CFMEU inquiry hears ‘cycle of lawlessness’ and violence operated in QueenslandA probe into the CFMEU has begun in Brisbane, examining allegations of bullying, violence and misogyny at the powerful construction union.
Read more ”
Man now accused of murder drove officials to Watson probe, CFMEU inquiry toldA commission of inquiry has heard new revelations about the CFMEU and that the scandal-plagued union “revelled” in its outlaw notoriety.
Read more ”
CFMEU inquiry LIVE updates: Union misconduct claims examined as inquiry gets under way in Queensland; Inquiry hears man now accused of murder drove officials to Watson probeCFMEU investigator Geoffrey Watson appears on the first day of Queensland’s inquiry into the construction union. Follow for live updates.
Read more “
