The recent scandal within the CFMEU in Queensland has sent shockwaves through the union, leading to the dismissal of up to six organizers following a damning investigation by anti-corruption barrister Geoffrey Watson SC. Released on Wednesday night, the report exposed a culture of violence, cruelty, misogyny, and intimidation that permeated the organization under the former leadership of Michael Ravbar and Jade Ingham.
The investigation uncovered a disturbing pattern of physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse directed at various individuals, including rival unionists, Labor politicians, public servants, women, and even children. The revelations painted a grim picture of a union branch that not only condoned but celebrated the use of threats, intimidation, and bullying as tools of control and dominance.
“Family members were treated as fair game for abuse, threats, and intimidation. That meant that the children of those deemed to be enemies of the union were targeted for abuse,”
remarked Administrator Mark Irving KC, highlighting the extent of the toxic environment fostered by the previous leadership. The culture of fear and aggression extended to online platforms, where victims were subjected to public humiliation, death threats, and harassment, demonstrating the union’s willingness to resort to extreme measures to silence dissent.
“The behaviour is deplorable, shameful, and unworthy of those who serve the union,”
Irving condemned, emphasizing the need for a swift and decisive response to address the systemic issues that had plagued the CFMEU Queensland branch. The actions described in the report, ranging from verbal abuse to physical threats, painted a troubling picture of an organization willing to go to great lengths to maintain its grip on power and influence.
Geoffrey Watson SC, the author of the investigation, highlighted the ruthless nature of the CFMEU, stating,
“The purpose of the violence is plain… The CFMEU is ruthless – it will crush anyone offering any resistance to it.”
This characterization underscored the deep-rooted problems within the union and the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of its culture and practices to prevent further harm and misconduct.
In response to the investigation’s findings, Administrator Mark Irving KC announced a series of measures aimed at purging the toxic elements within the CFMEU and ushering in a new era of accountability and integrity. This included the removal of implicated employees and delegates, with plans for further disciplinary actions and dismissals as necessary to break free from the shadow control of the previous leadership.
“The cultural change would include new employment contracts and new rules for enterprise agreements to eliminate blacklists and ‘favours for mates’,”
Irving outlined, signaling a commitment to creating a more inclusive, respectful, and transparent working environment within the union. The move towards justice, equality, and solidarity was positioned as a fundamental shift away from the divisive and destructive practices of the past.
The investigation also shed light on the CFMEU’s treatment of women, exposing a troubling pattern of sexism, harassment, and intimidation directed at female officials and supporters. Instances of verbal abuse, threats, and public humiliation aimed at women who dared to challenge the union’s authority revealed a deeply ingrained culture of misogyny and aggression that further tarnished the organization’s reputation.
Watson’s report detailed numerous incidents where female union officials and supporters were targeted and harassed, highlighting the pervasive nature of gender-based violence within the CFMEU. The shocking accounts of abuse and intimidation underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address gender inequality, harassment, and discrimination within the union and the broader labor movement.
The revelations from the investigation have sparked outrage and concern within the community, with many expressing shock and dismay at the extent of the misconduct within the CFMEU. Calls for accountability, transparency, and meaningful change have grown louder, as stakeholders demand swift and decisive action to address the deep-seated issues that have tarnished the union’s reputation and credibility.
As the CFMEU grapples with the fallout from the scandal, the path forward remains uncertain. However, the revelations from the investigation have laid bare the urgent need for reform, accountability, and cultural transformation within the union to ensure that such egregious behavior is never allowed to take root again. The lessons learned from this dark chapter must serve as a catalyst for change and renewal, guiding the CFMEU towards a future defined by integrity, respect, and a steadfast commitment to the well-being of its members and the broader community.
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