Ingham Linked to CFMEU Violence and Sexism in Queensland Inquiry

The CFMEU inquiry is investigating claims of violence and sexism, with recent testimony pointing towards Ingham. This follows a Queensland Government commission launched in July 2025.
By Newsroom | Industrial Relations, Queensland |

A CFMEU inquiry has heard testimony directly implicating Ingham in acts of violence and sexism within the union. This development surfaced recently during proceedings where a witness, Watson, defended his report's evidentiary basis, including the reliance on handwritten notes rather than recorded interviews. The inquiry's proceedings were slated to resume this Tuesday.

The crux of the recent testimony centers on the question of responsibility for a union-wide culture of violence and negative attitudes towards women and the AWU.' The inquiry is examining the findings of a 45-page report titled 'Violence in the Queensland CFMEU'. Questions were also raised about potential missing documents, though the suggestion of deliberate destruction was denied.

Broader Context of Inquiry

This inquiry stems from a 'landmark' Commission of Inquiry launched by the Queensland Government in July 2025. The government cited the 'Violence in the Queensland CFMEU' report as justification, with Premier David Crisafulli stating the commission was necessary to "lift the lid" on alleged violence, intimidation, and potential criminality. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to understand the extent of violent culture within the union.

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The initial report involved interviews with 55 individuals over three months. Following its release, the Queensland Government referred the report to the state's police service.

Past Revelations

Previous reports have described the Queensland branch of the CFMEU's alleged "reign of fear." A report detailed threats of violence, sexual abuse, and targeting of children linked to union activities. It was found that CFMEU leaders reportedly fostered an environment where violence was used as a tool to intimidate various parties, including Workplace Health and Safety inspectors, public servants, rival unions, and employers.

At the time of a previous investigation, CFMEU organisers reportedly denied witnessing any violence emanating from the union. It was also noted that an "obstinate refusal to co-operate" was encountered from some witnesses connected to the CFMEU, with an observation that "CFMEU officials are afflicted with widespread memory loss." This earlier investigation also occurred while a constitutional challenge to the union's administration was unresolved.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did the CFMEU inquiry hear about Ingham?
The CFMEU inquiry heard testimony that directly suggests Ingham was involved in acts of violence and sexism within the union. A witness named Watson defended the evidence used in a report.
Q: Why was a Commission of Inquiry launched in Queensland?
The Queensland Government launched a Commission of Inquiry in July 2025 to investigate alleged violence, intimidation, and potential criminality within the CFMEU, based on a report about violence in the union.
Q: What were the findings of the 'Violence in the Queensland CFMEU' report?
The report, which led to the inquiry, interviewed 55 people and detailed alleged threats of violence, sexual abuse, and targeting of children linked to union activities, suggesting violence was used to intimidate various groups.
Q: Have CFMEU officials co-operated with the inquiry?
Some previous investigations noted an 'obstinate refusal to co-operate' from some CFMEU witnesses, with officials reportedly suffering from 'widespread memory loss' when questioned about violence.
Q: When did the inquiry proceedings resume?
The inquiry proceedings were scheduled to resume this Tuesday, following the recent testimony.