Former Qld Labor ministers accused of political interference at CFMEU inquiry

An inquiry into the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) in Queensland has heard explosive new allegations of political interference. Graeme Easterby, a former licensing manager at the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC), testified that officials indicated an investigation into union interference would not proceed while the Labor government held power.

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I clearly remember they [CCC officials] said they didn't see it going anywhere while the [Labor] government is in power.

Easterby claimed the CFMEU exerted influence over the QBCC's leadership, including its then-commissioner Brett Bassett and the board. He noted the appointment of former CFMEU leader Jade Ingham to the QBCC board coincided with his own arrival at the regulator in 2018. Easterby also stated that the CFMEU frequently contacted government ministers, such as then-public works and procurement minister Mick de Brenni, to complain about non-union contractors.

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We should be cautious in taking them as fact.

According to Easterby, Bassett admitted the QBCC was under pressure from both Ingham and de Brenni to investigate and take licensing action against specific contractors. Easterby expressed surprise at this ministerial involvement, stating he had not witnessed such intervention in previous roles with Queensland Health and the Australian Federal Police. The inquiry also heard from Kym Bancroft, former deputy director-general of the Office of Industrial Relations, who attempted to address alleged CFMEU misconduct.

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Where those individuals named get the opportunity … they will be able to put their own side of those stories and … get the opportunity for their lawyers to interrogate those witnesses.

Opposition Leader Steven Miles commented on the allegations, stating that Labor would not provide a running commentary on the inquiry. He cautioned that the claims remain "untested" and asserted his support for ministers Mick de Brenni and Grace Grace, who were named in the allegations. Miles indicated that the individuals named would have the opportunity to present their side of the story and have their lawyers question witnesses.

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I was a little dumbfounded.