Arabic version: تحقيق في نقابة CFMEU بكوينزلاند يستمع إلى مزاعم بشأن قطاع البناء وعصابات الدراجات النارية

According to ABC News, a Queensland inquiry into the CFMEU has heard allegations concerning links between outlaw motorcycle gangs and the construction sector, centred on a 2024 incident at Brisbane’s Centenary Bridge Upgrade site in Jindalee.

The inquiry heard that on June 5, 2024, a member of the Comancheros allegedly threatened CFMEU delegate and crane operator Cody Raymond. Senior Counsel Assisting Eddy Gisonda said phone records could support an inference that HOST security operator Gary Samuel collected former Comancheros national president Bemir Saracevic and two associates from Brisbane Airport before driving near the site.

CCTV shown to the commission depicted Mr Saracevic threatening Mr Raymond. BMD general managers Rob Pickard and Steve Thomas denied a suggestion that they identified Mr Raymond to the group, and denied knowledge or involvement in the alleged threats. Mr Pickard also denied discussions with Mr Samuel at BMD’s head office that day.

The hearing also examined access to CCTV footage. Queensland Police sought footage in November 2024 but were told by BMD that material from the relevant period was unavailable. Georgiou Group corporate construction manager Gareth Davie said Mr Thomas wanted access “locked down”, reducing the number of people able to view it. Project manager Quinn Murray had copied the footage on the day after believing something was “fishy” going on.

CFMEU Administrator Michael Crosby said the evidence should shock the industry and that the union had “zero tolerance for violence”. He said questions remained about what BMD senior executives knew about the alleged use of Comancheros members to threaten the delegate. The inquiry is due to resume in Brisbane on Tuesday.