‘Thugs': Fresh CFMEU crackdown coming
It follows a damning report from eminent barrister Geoffrey Watson SC, which found the CFMEU led a 'campaign of violence' against workers, women and children.
The investigation by Mr Watson looked at coercive and illegal practices in the union, but was allegedly hampered as potential witnesses feared retribution. Hundreds of CFMEU members gathered in Brisbane in April to commemorate International Workers Memorial Day. NewsWire/Tertius Pickard Credit: NewsWire
'I fear this investigation only scratched the surface of the violence in the Queensland CFMEU,' Mr Watson said.
'There are many other potential witnesses and many other stories which could have been told.
'There was an obstinate refusal to co-operate from some critical witnesses with connections to the CFMEU.
'It seems, sadly, that CFMEU officials are afflicted with widespread memory loss.' Premier David Crisafulli announced the sweeping Commission of Inquiry. NewsWire / John Gass Credit: News Corp Australia
Premier David Crisafulli referred Mr Watson's report to the Queensland Police Service and said a new Commission of Inquiry was needed to get the full picture of potentially criminal behaviour in the CFMEU's Queensland branch.
'This is the most powerful Inquiry in the State to give a voice to those made powerless by the CFMEU and their Labor protection racket.
'This is the spotlight needed to bring the CFMEU out of the shadows, the violence, bullying and intimidation will have no place to hide.
'We are drawing a line in the sand to make sure workers are safe on worksites and productivity can return to construction.' Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the new inquiry would provide protections of witnesses. Photo: Dan Peled / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia
The Deputy Premier and Industrial Relations Minister Jarrod Bleijie said the inquiry would allow witnesses protections to compel them to come forward.
'This is Labor's Fitzgerald moment and will be the end to the protection racket for these CFMEU thugs.
'The 55 brave men and women helped scratch the surface, the Inquiry will now get to the bottom of the CFMEU's standover tactics so we can protect Queenslanders from this violence, bullying and intimidation.'
The CFMEU has been approached for comment.
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