Inquiry to probe claims of violence in Queensland’s construction industry
Claims of violence, threats, and menacing conduct in Queensland’s construction industry will be investigated in a sweeping new inquiry.
Led by CFMEU administrator Mark Irving KC, it will work with construction union staff and stakeholders to stamp out conduct Mr Irving described as “unacceptable in any workplace”.
“The inquiry will concern conduct by employees of the union, former officials and also employers in the industry who engage in violence and menacing conduct,” he said.
“Under the past leadership, the union weakened its industrial position and made itself a target by allowing itself to be drawn into, perpetuating and failing to confront a culture of violence and being caught up in a cycle of retaliation against employers, other unions, and those who stood up to the former leadership.”
Mark Irving KC announced the inquiry today. (AAP: Joel Carrett)
Mr Irving said the inquiry wasn’t tied to a specific event and had a broad scope like inquiries in other states.
“Current and former employees of the union will be required to cooperate in exposing the culture of violence,” he said.
“Action will be taken against any employer which seeks to victimise or target delegates and members who cooperate with the investigation.”
The CFMEU directed the ABC’s request for comment to the office of the administrator.
Queensland CFMEU under investigation
The CFMEU’s construction and general division was forced into administration in August after allegations interstate branches had been infiltrated by bikies, as well as systemic bullying and intimidation.
There is currently no evidence of criminal or corrupt conduct within Queensland’s CFMEU.
In November, Mr Irving asked independent advisory firm KordaMentha to investigate the division for alleged links to bikie gangs and crime syndicates as well as claims of unlawful behaviour.
The Queensland government has cancelled a “hotline arrangement” for the CFMEU to call directly into the Office of Industrial Relations to lodge complaints. (ABC News: Brian Hurst)
That investigation was also tasked with probing allegations of threats of violence and intimidation and misuse of power.
KordaMentha’s report is due March 31.
Union ‘hotline’ canned
The Queensland government has removed CFMEU officials from government boards and committees.
It also cancelled a “hotline arrangement” for the CFMEU to call directly into the Office of Industrial Relations to lodge complaints against construction workers and builders.
Mr Irving has previously established an integrity unit within the union to receive and review complaints. Members can report their experiences via secure platform Elker.
“The CFMEU will be stronger if it is resilient to corruption and has robust processes that ensure people feel safe to report wrongdoing free from intimidation.”
