CFMEU delegates hired as health and safety representatives, inquiry hears
A commission of inquiry into the Queensland branch of the CFMEU has heard that CPB Contractors felt pressured to hire union delegates as health and safety representatives on the Cross River Rail project following a worksite accident and subsequent work stoppage. Andrew Large, a director at CPB Contractors, expressed concerns that the appointments were driven by union demands rather than safety qualifications. The inquiry also examined allegations of violent behavior by some appointed representatives, including incidents involving threats and property damage.
- ▪The inquiry heard that CPB Contractors hired CFMEU delegates as health and safety representatives after a 2023 scaffolding incident caused a work stoppage on the Cross River Rail project.
- ▪Andrew Large stated the company felt compelled to accept the union's nominees, including Trent Broadhurst, despite concerns over their suitability and a failed medical exam.
- ▪Commissioner Stuart Wood questioned whether standard hiring protocols were bypassed due to union pressure during the project's shutdown.
- ▪Nicole Watson testified that union representative Ritchie Atutolu had a history of violent behavior, including smashing a microwave and challenging a coworker to a fight.
- ▪The next round of inquiry hearings is scheduled to begin in May.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
CFMEU forced hire of union delegates as health and safety representatives at Cross River Rail site, inquiry hearsLBy Lucy LoramTopic:Unions20m ago20 minutes agoThu 30 Apr 2026 at 7:55amA commission of inquiry is underway in Brisbane into the Queensland branch of the CFMEU. (ABC News: Brigham Edgar)In short:The commission of inquiry into the Queensland branch of the CFMEU has heard that contractors working on the Cross River Rail project were pressured to hire union delegates as health and safety representatives.CPB Contractors director Andrew Large said the delegates — including a former boxer who allegedly failed the medical exam — were all ultimately hired despite "immediate concerns" about the intention behind the appointments.What's next?The next round of hearings is set to begin in…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).