CFMEU Inquiry: Cross River Rail Contractor Influence Alleged

New details from the Queensland inquiry suggest the CFMEU may have tried to influence who got contracts for the Cross River Rail project. This could have made the project cost more money.
By Newsroom | Politics, Queensland |

The Queensland Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU continues to dissect allegations of union misconduct, with a central focus on the construction of the Cross River Rail project. Witnesses have detailed instances of alleged intimidation, disruption, and attempts to steer contractor selections, casting a shadow over the project's industrial relations landscape.

====Key testimonies highlight concerns regarding the former CFMEU leader, Michael Ravbar, allegedly making "threatening" remarks to the head of the Transport and Main Roads department after CPB Contractors entered an agreement with the AWU, bypassing the CFMEU. This interaction, described by CPB Contractors general manager Vince Sanfilippo, implied negative consequences for failing to engage with the CFMEU. Sanfilippo also recounted Ravbar's disparaging comments about department directors-general.

Further testimony from Graeme Newton, chief executive of the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, indicates the CFMEU actively sought to influence contractor selection for the multi-billion dollar project. Newton described "aggressive meetings" where he and the authority resisted pressure from then-CFMEU secretary Michael Ravbar and deputy Jade Ingham to dictate terms and pick preferred contractors. This push for an "unlawful project agreement" with the authority itself, rather than directly with contractors, could have significantly inflated project costs.

The inquiry has also heard claims that a union delegate may have disrupted a Cross River Rail site disguised as a climate activist, according to reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. This incident is part of a broader pattern of alleged deliberate disruptions by the CFMEU on critical works, as stated by Newton.

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Past Allegations and Broader Context

Allegations have also surfaced regarding former industrial relations minister Grace Grace, who reportedly faces claims she threatened contractors on a major project, stating she would cancel contracts if they did not cooperate with the union. Grace has publicly denied these claims.

The inquiry, established by the Crisafulli Government, aims to investigate systemic misconduct within the CFMEU and the broader construction industry. Its terms of reference include examining instances of misconduct that have compromised workplace safety and created uncomfortable environments, particularly for women.

The Cross River Rail project, a significant infrastructure undertaking in Queensland, has been a recurring point of examination. Past evidence presented suggests a multi-year campaign by the CFMEU to exert pressure on key government figures and influence decisions regarding contractor appointments and workplace agreements. This included attempts to leverage the safety regulator to achieve their objectives.

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Witnesses such as Don Johnson, former executive general manager at CPB, have also provided evidence, touching on government policies that appeared to facilitate the pushing of agreements, such as the Queen's Wharf agreement, onto projects.

The commission has been receiving evidence from various figures within the construction and government sectors. Public hearings have featured testimony from individuals including Vince Sanfilippo and Graeme Newton, with Don Johnson and others expected to follow. The inquiry also refers to previous reports and investigations, including the Watson report, which reportedly highlighted the influence of figures like Jade Ingham on the CFMEU.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Queensland Commission of Inquiry looking into regarding the CFMEU and Cross River Rail?
The inquiry is investigating claims that the CFMEU tried to influence contractor selection for the Cross River Rail project. Witnesses have spoken about alleged intimidation and attempts to steer decisions, which could have increased project costs.
Q: What specific allegations were made about the former CFMEU leader, Michael Ravbar?
Witnesses stated that Michael Ravbar allegedly made threatening remarks to the head of the Transport and Main Roads department. He also reportedly made negative comments about department directors-general, implying consequences for not working with the CFMEU.
Q: How did the CFMEU allegedly try to influence contractor selection for Cross River Rail?
Graeme Newton, head of the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, testified that the CFMEU, led by Michael Ravbar, pushed for an 'unlawful project agreement' and tried to dictate terms and choose specific contractors. This pressure was resisted by the authority.
Q: Are there claims of site disruptions related to the CFMEU and Cross River Rail?
Yes, there are claims that a union delegate might have disrupted a Cross River Rail site while pretending to be a climate activist. This is part of broader allegations of deliberate disruptions by the CFMEU on important construction sites.
Q: What is the broader context of these allegations?
The inquiry is looking into systemic misconduct in the CFMEU and construction industry, including issues of workplace safety and creating uncomfortable environments. Past evidence suggests a long-term effort by the CFMEU to pressure government figures and influence decisions on projects like Cross River Rail and Queen's Wharf.