Bureaucrat breaks down in tears at Queensland CFMEU misconduct inquiry
A senior Queensland bureaucrat broke down in tears at the public inquiry into alleged misconduct by the construction union CFMEU, describing what she called sustained pressure from union officials. The federal government said it will see through structural oversight of the union.
ABC News Australia, citing the hearing record, reported that former Queensland Department of Infrastructure executive Sarah Pemberton said she had come under pressure from union officials who allegedly signalled "preference for certain contractors" during tender processes. Pemberton said senior management had been aware of the situation.
Federal Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt said the external administrator process applied to the CFMEU at the federal level would run through to the end of 2027. Former CFMEU Queensland branch boss Michael Ravbar rejected the allegations and said he was "fully cooperating with the inquiry."
The Queensland state government said it was preparing draft legislation introducing new transparency rules for public construction tenders. The Australian Construction Workers Federation said the inquiry could "help restructure the sector," provided that members' rights are respected.
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