The Queensland Government has granted an extension to the CFMEU Commission of Inquiry until 03 December 2027.
Commissioner Stuart Wood AM KC requested the extension due to the substantial volume of evidence, and additional time is needed to ensure relevant witnesses and affected parties have an opportunity to give evidence and be cross-examined.
The inquiry has already uncovered damning allegations of bullying, intimidation and violence on Queensland worksites, painting a deeply concerning picture of the CFMEU’s conduct and influence, said Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Planning and Infrastructure, and Acting Attorney-General, Jarrod Bleijie.
“The former Labor Government spent years turning a blind eye while a culture of intimidation and alleged corruption was allowed to fester out of control,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
“The allegations aired before the inquiry regarding former Ministers, including claims about Grace Grace’s threats to rip up contracts, are deeply concerning.
“This Commission of Inquiry has already uncovered shocking allegations of bullying, misogyny, intimidation and violence on Queensland worksites, and it is critical this work continues.”
The extension will ensure the Commission has sufficient time to fully investigate the serious allegations that have emerged and continue its work exposing misconduct and corruption within the union and its political links, he said.
“That is why the Crisafulli Government has agreed to extend the Commission, to ensure every allegation can be thoroughly investigated and no stone is left unturned.”
“We’re committed to restoring integrity, transparency, productivity and safety across Queensland’s construction industry and that means ensuring this Commission can complete it’s important work and get the job done.”
The extension will also allow for additional public hearings (in Brisbane and regional Queensland) and the presentation of further case studies, procedural fairness (specifically the cross-examination of key persons alleged to have engaged in wrongdoing), as well as further time and opportunity for additional submissions to be made prior to the final report.
