Allegations of intimidation and threats aired at a public inquiry into the CFMEU | 7.30

Key Concepts

• CFMEU (Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union): A militant union whose alleged tactics are central to the discussion.
• AWU (Australian Workers' Union): A union that has experienced escalating hostility from the CFMEU.
• Queensland Council of Unions (QCU): An umbrella organization for unions in Queensland, with its General Secretary playing a mediating role.
• Commission of Inquiry: An official investigation into the conduct of unions, particularly the CFMEU.
• Turf War/Rivalry: The competitive conflict between the CFMEU and AWU over industry and contract control.
• Autocratic Leadership: A style of leadership characterized by absolute power and control, attributed to former CFMEU leadership.
• Escalating Volatility/Hostility: The increasing aggressive behavior and conflict between the unions.
• Verbal Assaults/Threats: Aggressive and intimidating communication, including threats to personal safety.
• Vandalism: The act of damaging or destroying property.
• Infiltration and Takeover: Alleged plans by the CFMEU to gain control of the AWU.

Union Rivalry and Allegations of Aggression

This summary details the escalating tensions and alleged aggressive tactics employed by the CFMEU against the Australian Workers' Union (AWU) in Queensland, as presented during the second sitting of a Commission of Inquiry. The conflict is framed as a "turf war" over civil contracts, particularly impacting projects like the Centenary Bridge duplication and the Cross River Rail Project.

Key Figures and Their Accounts

• Jacqueline King: General Secretary of the Queensland Council of Unions (QCU). She described the former CFMEU leadership under Secretary Michael Ravbar and Assistant Secretary Jade Ingam as "autocratic." King intervened due to the escalating hostility, organizing an informal meeting with the Queensland Police Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, to whom she presented evidence on a USB drive. She noted a lack of follow-up from the police, suggesting a potential "reticence... to involve themselves in matters that involve unions," particularly in industrial matters within construction.
• Stacy Chanel: Secretary of the Australian Workers' Union of Employees Queensland and branch secretary of the AWU Queensland branch. She reported experiencing "escalating volatility" from the CFMEU starting in 2019 as they began targeting civil contracts traditionally held by the AWU. Chanel believes her elevation to the AWU's first female leader in 2022 was perceived by the CFMEU as an opportunity to "take the industries they wanted from the AWU" and that a "female leader would be easy to roll."

The Turning Point and Escalation of Hostility

Chanel identified a conference where she made a joke about the CFMEU storming a government building as a turning point. She was informed by "many sources" that Michael Ravbar considered this moment the start of "a war with the CFMEU." Following this, Ravbar allegedly discussed plans to "take down the AWU" with his staff.

The frequency of verbal assaults and challenges against AWU organizers became so recurrent that they began to consider it "part of the course" and stopped reporting every incident.

Specific Incidents and Allegations

• Cross River Rail Project: AWU organizer Jamie McQueen's car was allegedly surrounded by CFMEU members. McQueen was reportedly shown a weapon, had his tires let down, and was told not to exit his vehicle.
• Threats Against Stacy Chanel: A verbal threat was allegedly made against Chanel, stating, "If I stick my head up, it will get knocked off." Chanel interpreted this as a "threat in my life" and expressed living in a "perpetual heightened state of anxiety and fear," with concerns for her family.
• Vandalism: A video was presented showing CFMEU members vandalizing an AWU car in Chanel's secure car park, with the alleged implication, "We know where you are. We're coming for you."
• Labor Day 2023 Incident: Chanel recounted being verbally assaulted by an unnamed CFMEU member in front of her son. The individual allegedly "pushed up against me and he leaned past me. And it felt like he was trying to get past me into my child." The individual reportedly said, "How does it feel to know your mom's a ratbag who sells out workers?" Chanel's "mama bear" instincts took over, and security intervened.

CFMEU's Alleged Intentions and Resources

Chanel told the hearing that the CFMEU intended to "infiltrate and take over the AWU in Queensland" and was prepared to spend "$1 million to do it." The source of these funds and the accuracy of this figure remain unknown.

Calls for Accountability and Personal Vulnerability

Senior counsel argued that the CFMEU's former leaders, Ravbar and Ingam, should be called to respond to the allegations before Chanel faces cross-examination. Chanel expressed her vulnerability, stating, "I don't know where Mr. Ingam lives. I don't know where Mr. Ravbar lives, but I'm reasonably confident that they know where I live." She acknowledged that her testimony might make her a "bigger target" but felt it was "the right thing to do" as neither she nor her union had done anything wrong, and she was "standing up to them."

Conclusion and Takeaways

The Commission of Inquiry is investigating serious allegations of aggressive and intimidating behavior by the CFMEU against the AWU. The testimony of Jacqueline King and Stacy Chanel highlights a pattern of escalating hostility, including verbal threats, vandalism, and alleged plans for infiltration. The QCU's attempt to mediate through law enforcement has reportedly yielded no results, raising questions about police involvement in union disputes. The inquiry aims to uncover the extent of these alleged tactics and hold responsible parties accountable, with a particular focus on the former leadership of the CFMEU. The personal cost and vulnerability experienced by union leaders like Stacy Chanel in confronting these issues are significant.