A powerful commission of inquiry has been announced to investigate an alleged culture of bullying and coercion within the Queensland CFMEU. It follows a bombshell report about the construction union.

Brisbane

The Queensland government has announced a commission of inquiry into the state's branch of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) following a report by barrister Geoffrey Watson. The report detailed allegations of violence, intimidation, and threats, allegedly directed by former leaders Michael Ravbaugh and Jade Ingham. 

The inquiry will have the authority to compel witnesses and documents, and will offer protection to those fearing retribution. The government is finalizing the terms of reference and has not yet appointed a commissioner. The inquiry is expected to begin soon, with bipartisan support from the opposition.

Construction union to face commission of inquiry

Days on from an explosive and damning report, an extraordinary move to further crack down on the CFMEU. This is the most powerful tool we as a government have to ensure that what we have seen comes to an end. Queensland's Premier announcing a commission of inquiry into the state branch after a 45 page report by Barrister Geoffrey Watson detailed allegations of violence, intimidation and threats. That the report claims were likely directed by former leaders Michael Ravbaugh and Jade Ingham. It's alleged thuggish behaviour the report claims to have only scratched the surface of. This commission of inquiry announced by the Premier this morning will finally let the truth be revealed. Only 55 people were interviewed during the Watson investigation because it's claimed there was an obstinate refusal to cooperate from some critical witnesses. The report said CFMEU officials are afflicted with widespread memory loss. The inquiry will compel witnesses and documents and offer protection to those fearing retribution. And they under oath have to explain their side of the story. There can't be the memory losses, there can't be the obfuscation. Former ministers could also be called upon to give evidence. Labor initially called for a triple C inquiry but has offered bipartisan support. Any matters that were raised were referred, I have nothing to hide. This is Labor's Fitzgerald moment and people must be held accountable for enabling the actions of the CFMEU in the last 10 years. The report claimed the abuse was so bad that the Queensland Police insisted that one minister be given a security upgrade. Former Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace today confirming that was her. It was myself, I'm happy to say that. When we were putting the CFMEU into administration, I had never contemplated it in the past. There were no threats to me, it was just a precautionary step. The state government is now working through the terms of reference and is yet to appoint a commissioner to lead the inquiry but hopes it will get underway next month. Jade Richards, 10 News.

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