Inquiry hears allegations of sabotage and violence on major Brisbane rail project
Queensland's Commission of Inquiry has heard allegations of sabotage, violence, and intimidation on the Cross River Rail project, primarily involving the CFMEU union. Former CPB Contractors advisor Michael O'Brien described a 2023 incident where AWU delegates were harassed and physically assaulted by CFMEU members at the Gabba Station site. The inquiry was prompted by concerns over union conduct, including threats to workers and their families.
- ▪Michael O'Brien, a former CPB Contractors advisor, testified that he felt fearful during a 2023 incident at the Gabba Station construction site.
- ▪Approximately 30 CFMEU members in black shirts confronted and physically assaulted two AWU delegates after a routine meeting, including pushing one into traffic.
- ▪Threats were made against the AWU organisers, including references to their families, with one stating, 'we know you have two young sons'.
- ▪The incident was captured on CCTV and led to police involvement, with the AWU delegates followed into a nearby shopping centre.
- ▪The inquiry was triggered in part by Geoffrey Watson SC's report detailing CFMEU's alleged campaign of intimidation and violence on construction sites.
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Inquiry into Queensland CFMEU branch hears of union's impact on construction of Brisbane's Cross River RailBy Tobi LoftusTopic:Unions46m ago46 minutes agoFri 1 May 2026 at 9:56pmQueensland's Commission of Inquiry has this week heard from one of the main companies working on Cross River Rail. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)abc.net.au/news/queensland-cfmeu-inquiry-cross-river-rail-takeaways/106623654Link copiedShareShare articleBrisbane's Cross River Rail has been touted as a game-changing public transport project.But Queensland's Commission of Inquiry into the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) has heard construction was plagued by sabotage, violence, and years of interference.Michael O'Brien, the former senior industrial relations advisor for CPB Contractors — one of the…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).