Exposing the CFMEU’s Culture of Intimidation

A Queensland state inquiry is set to investigate the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) over allegations of violence, misogyny, and coercive tactics, following a damning report by barrister Geoffrey Watson SC. The probe aims to uncover the extent of the union’s thuggish behaviour, which has reportedly terrorised workers and communities. Premier David Crisafulli has vowed to end this culture of intimidation, with the inquiry promising to hold those responsible accountable and restore safety to Queensland’s construction sites.

The CFMEU’s Queensland branch was placed into administration in August 2024 after claims surfaced of infiltration by bikie gangs and organised crime figures. Watson’s three-month investigation, commissioned by administrator Mark Irving KC, revealed a deliberate campaign of “threats and coercion” designed to instil fear, targeting workers, women, and even children. Disturbing incidents include a worker chased with an angle grinder and a 13-year-old threatened, highlighting the union’s ruthless tactics. Watson noted, “I fear this investigation only scratched the surface of the violence in the Queensland CFMEU,” suggesting the problem runs deeper than reported.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie emphasised the inquiry’s importance, stating it will “purge the underbelly of the CFMEU and its enablers.” Witnesses, previously reluctant due to fears of retribution, will receive protections to encourage testimony. Premier Crisafulli called the inquiry “the most powerful tool” to expose a “broken system” of intimidation, vowing to protect Queenslanders from the union’s decade-long reign of terror. The report also implicated former CFMEU leaders Michael Ravbar and Jade Ingham in orchestrating this campaign of violence.

The inquiry has sparked debate, with the group Your Union Your Choice, formed by ousted CFMEU officials, dismissing Watson’s findings as biased. However, the government remains steadfast, with Attorney-General Deb Frecklington labelling it “Labor’s Fitzgerald moment,” signalling an end to the union’s unchecked power. The Labor government’s past inaction, including dismantling a construction watchdog, has drawn criticism for enabling the CFMEU’s behaviour.

This inquiry marks a critical step towards dismantling the CFMEU’s toxic culture. By compelling documents and protecting witnesses, it aims to restore integrity to Queensland’s construction industry, ensuring workers are free from fear and coercion.