Arabic version: تحقيق كوينزلاند في نقابة CFMEU يستمع إلى مزاعم مراقبة وترهيب
According to ABC News, Queensland’s CFMEU inquiry heard allegations this week of surveillance and intimidation affecting people connected to construction disputes, while former CFMEU administrator Mark Irving KC called for stronger industry-wide regulation to address organised crime links.
Former Department of Transport and Main Roads deputy director-general Amanda Yeates told the inquiry she believed the union was following her children and knew their movements. She described comments allegedly made by ousted deputy leader Jade Ingham in 2022 about her daughter’s netball game, bus travel and street. After Ms Yeates and her husband changed their school-aged child’s travel arrangements, an associate of Mr Ingham allegedly commented that she was “now getting a lift to school”. Ms Yeates said she resigned after three decades in public service because she felt she had no choice if the alleged intimidation was to stop.
Security contractor Grant Killen told the inquiry he found a tracking device attached underneath his vehicle after providing security for BMD at the Centenary Bridge upgrade in 2024. He said he was followed after leaving the Brisbane site and later saw drones flying unusually close to his home. Two days after one sighting, his dog became critically ill after eating cubed meat that his family had not fed it. Mr Killen said he suspected drones had been used to drop baited meat into his backyard and withdrew his services because he feared for his family and employees.
The inquiry also heard that drones hovered over BMD founder and chairman Mick Power’s home, where his dog was allegedly poisoned. Scott Power, BMD’s chief executive, said an unidentified man claiming to be an energy inspector remained at his family home for an extended period. Security staff later found a pot plant moved in front of a security camera, while Origin Energy confirmed no inspection had been scheduled. Mr Irving told the inquiry it was difficult to identify all criminal connections in construction and proposed a “fit and proper person” test for operators. He said progress would take years.
