The Queensland Government has released the terms of reference in the Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU in what is expected to be a 12-month probe into the union.
The state government announced the inquiry will be held into the CFMEU earlier this month, just days after a report found the union’s “campaign of violence” was likely planned and directed against workers, women, and children.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie says just 55 people were interviewed for the report over the course of the three-month investigation as many of those approached, including critical witnesses and victims, feared retribution.
Bleijie says the inquiry will lift the lid on the alleged culture of systemic violence and intimidation with its broad terms of reference to spotlight potential criminality, organised crime links, and claims of financial irregularities in the union.
Attorney General Deb Frecklington says that a Commission of Inquiry is integral to discovering how violent the CFMEU’s culture had become.
The broad terms of reference will look at the impact of alleged misconduct on productivity in the Queensland economy and the construction industry, housing in Queensland, and transport infrastructure.
The broad terms of reference will explore evidence of, and allegations concerning instances of misconduct making workplaces unsafe or uncomfortable for women; the systemic nature of misconduct involving current and former leadership figures within the CFMEU; involvement of organised crime or other criminal elements or identities with the CFMEU and in the construction industry; and irregularities in financial dealings by the CFMEU, including cash transfers and contracts.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: CFMEU
