CFMEU inquiry insider warns findings may not deliver on truth
Emma Walters questions whether Queensland's union inquiry is carefully pursuing serious criminal allegations.
Emma Walters is a former industrial lawyer with deep ties to the CFMEU. Walters attended Queensland's state inquiry this week and raised public concerns.
The year-old inquiry received increased funding from $20 million to $95 million by the LNP government. The inquiry has held 15 weeks of hearings.
Walters feared that serious allegations were not being pursued carefully enough. These include claims of bikie gang involvement and armed blockades.
She worries that witnesses with key knowledge might not come forward if they see allegations left unexamined. Barrister Stuart Wood KC heads the inquiry.
He is expected to issue an interim report this month covering a new state construction code and regulator. The inquiry continues until December 2027.
Queensland unions are calling for the inquiry to get a special prosecutor to help lead to faster potential charges.
- $20 million
- Initial inquiry funding
- $95 million
- Increased inquiry funding
- 15 weeks
- Hearing weeks completed
- December 2027
- Inquiry reporting deadline
Why it mattersThe inquiry aims to expose corruption in construction and the union movement. If serious allegations go untested, the public and union members may never find out what actually happened.
AustraliaQueensland's construction industry, the CFMEU, and other Australian state unions await findings that could reshape how they operate.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 d ago
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