CFMEU leaders had 'the ear' of former state government, inquiry hears

Lead

The Commission of Inquiry into the Queensland branch of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime and Employees Union (CFMEU) has heard testimony from a series of witnesses alleging that union leaders wielded inappropriate influence over state government and safety regulators. According to the ABC, the inquiry — now in its eighth round of hearings — has received evidence of threats, intimidation, and the so-called 'regulatory capture' of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.

Coverage Comparison

All reporting on this story comes from the ABC, which has been providing ongoing coverage of the inquiry. The broadcaster’s coverage spans several distinct hearings, focusing on different aspects of the allegations. Each report shares a consistent investigative and critical tone, with a strong emphasis on direct quotes from witnesses and officials. The stories collectively paint a picture of a union with deep access to government and a willingness to use coercive tactics, though the inquiry itself remains ongoing, and some allegations are contested.

Key Claims

Influence on Government and Regulators

A senior public servant, Peter McKay, who served as deputy director-general of the Office of Industrial Relations, told the inquiry that it "wasn't uncommon" to see CFMEU leaders meet with state Labor government ministers. He said there were concerns the union had "their ear" — that is, direct access and influence. The ABC reported that Mr McKay took up his role in mid-2023 and was aware of "issues around the involvement of the CFMEU" prior to his appointment.

The inquiry has also heard that Helen Burgess, the former director of construction, compliance and field services, acted as a "conduit" between the regulator and the union, regularly taking calls about worksite issues and instructing inspectors to issue notices requested by the union. These claims were reported by the ABC and have been central to allegations of regulatory capture.

Allegations of Threats and Intimidation

During the inquiry’s hearings, Vince Sanfilippo, general manager of CPB Contractors, gave evidence about his interactions with CFMEU leaders. The ABC reported that the former head of the CFMEU in Queensland allegedly called top bureaucrats "lazy c*s" and made threats during meetings about enterprise agreements. Sanfilippo described a meeting at 1 William St in May 2021, where CFMEU state secretary Michael Ravbar and assistant secretary Jade Ingham "aggressively challenged" decisions regarding the application of Best Practice Industry Conditions on public projects.

The ABC also reported claims from principal inspector David Cappelletti, who told the inquiry that inspectors lost the freedom to do their jobs "quite quickly after Annastacia Palaszczuk came to power" in 2015. He described being "micromanaged to a point where we couldn't make our own decisions." He also claimed there was a "hit list" of inspectors that the union wanted removed, and that a senior official, Helen Burgess, was the conduit for such pressure.

The Watson Report Under Scrutiny

Geoffrey Watson SC, the author of a 2024 report that exposed alleged violence and misconduct in the CFMEU’s Queensland branch, faced questioning about his investigative methods. According to the ABC, lawyers for Michael Ravbar and Jade Ingham challenged the lack of handwritten or electronic notes from the 56 interviews he conducted. Watson defended his approach, stating that he knew what was important and that it was up to him to make judgments.

Perspectives

Supporters of the CFMEU: The inquiry has heard from legal representatives for Michael Ravbar and Jade Ingham, who have questioned the evidence and record-keeping of the investigation. They suggest that the allegations are part of a campaign against the union.

Government and Regulator Officials: Former and current officials have testified about the challenges of dealing with the union, with some admitting that regulators struggled to maintain independence. Peter McKay’s evidence highlighted the concern over the union’s access to ministers.

Industry Witnesses: Representatives from construction companies, such as Vince Sanfilippo, have provided evidence of difficult negotiations and alleged threats, supporting the narrative of union overreach.

Background and Context

This inquiry was established in 2024 after the Watson report documented widespread misconduct. The hearings have been ongoing for several rounds, with more witnesses expected. The Queensland government has not yet responded to the allegations raised during the inquiry. The union has not provided an official response to the claims reported by the ABC, and the hearing continues.

The article has been compiled from multiple ABC reports; no other independent outlets have been cited. The claims are drawn from testimony given under oath at the inquiry and are not yet proven in any court of law.