Arabic version: تحقيق في نقابة عمال البناء في كوينزلاند يستمع إلى ادعاءات مندوب نقابة العمال الأسترالية

According to ABC News, a Queensland commission of inquiry into the CFMEU has heard allegations that members made comments about an Australian Workers Union delegate’s young family during confrontations over site visits.

AWU organiser James Downie told the inquiry the alleged remarks were part of what he described as a sustained campaign of harassment and intimidation against AWU members. He said the confrontation occurred in mid-2023 when he and a colleague visited the Cross River Rail development in Woolloongabba.

Mr Downie said a large group of CFMEU members yelled insults, pulled at his backpack and shoved him as he and his colleague tried to leave. He told the hearing he was nearly pushed into traffic while crossing Stanley Street, with a truck coming close enough that he felt wind on his backpack.

After the pair reached a nearby shopping centre, Mr Downie said they were cornered near the stairs. CCTV footage of the interaction was played to the inquiry. He said the group tried to provoke him into a fight before asking about his children and naming his two sons, their school and daycare, as well as details of his personal routine.

The inquiry also heard of other hostile encounters around the same period, including instances in which CFMEU members allegedly blocked AWU delegates from entering work sites to visit members. Mr Downie said he and colleagues left one location, the Cultural Centre bus stop upgrade, because they feared for their safety. The inquiry continues.