Arabic version: تحقيق يكشف الضغط على المفتشين من قبل CFMEU في كوينزلاند

The fourth round of hearings of the Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU and misconduct in the construction sector has exposed allegations of improper pressure on Workplace Health and Safety inspectors. Deborah Dargan, an operations manager at Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, testified that the regulator had formed “an alliance … with the CFMEU to follow their agenda,” leading to the targeting of certain construction firms.

According to ABC News, Dargan stated that the inspectors felt compelled to issue various notices against contractors not favored by the CFMEU. She claimed that the union was not genuinely concerned about worker safety but rather pursued its own agenda, leading to the disruption of work on job sites.

Dargan highlighted specific firms, such as BMD Group and Queensland Steelfixing, which were allegedly targeted by both the CFMEU and the regulator. She described instances where she received direct orders from her managers to walk around construction sites with CFMEU officials, which she believed compromised the integrity of safety inspections.

The inquiry has also heard claims of “regulatory capture” of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland by the CFMEU, raising concerns about institutional corruption. Dargan recounted a troubling incident where she faced aggressive challenges from CFMEU officials while inspecting a site, leading to significant stress and ultimately taking three months of sick leave.

As the inquiry continues, more former inspectors are set to provide testimony, with a final report expected in July.