Australia-Pacific

Inquiry hears of CFMEU's political influence and intimidation in Queensland

An inquiry in Queensland heard claims that former senior public servants and industry figures faced aggressive union tactics. The findings raise fresh questions about the construction union CFMEU's political influence in the state.

A construction site with cranes under an overcast sky
A construction site with cranes under an overcast skyPhoto: Felix Haumann / Pexels
ABC News Australia5 h ago

An inquiry in the state of Queensland heard uncomfortable testimony about union practices in the construction sector. Former senior public servants and industry figures said they had faced aggressive tactics from the CFMEU union.

Witnesses said the union holds significant political influence over both public projects and private-sector tenders. Some testimony suggested that intimidation attempts directly affected decision-making processes.

The inquiry's findings have reignited a broader debate over the union's role in Australia's construction industry nationwide. How the federal government responds to the matter will be closely watched.

RegulationAustralia-PacificABC News Australia
This article is an AI-curated summary of the original story published by ABC News Australia. The illustration is a stock photo by Felix Haumann from Pexels and is not from the original story.

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