1 October 2025
Public hearings for the Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU and Misconduct in the Construction Industry formally commenced today in Brisbane.
The opening hearing included a reading of the Terms of Reference, opening remarks from Commissioner Stuart Wood AM KC and an opening statement from Senior Counsel Assisting Liam Kelly KC.
In his opening remarks, Commissioner Wood outlined the work the Commission had undertaken to date.
“Although today marks the formal opening of the Commission of Inquiry, significant work had already been undertaken by the Commission in the past two months.
“There have been interviews with key people and potential witnesses, investigations have commenced, and almost 100 notices and summonses have already been issued.”
Commissioner Wood also highlighted the broader significance of the inquiry for Queensland.
“The construction industry is a powerful engine of economic growth and facilitates the flourishing of communities. It builds the homes we live in, the schools our children attend, and the hospitals that care for patients. It creates the infrastructure that facilitates vital transport and urban development.
“These projects must be delivered efficiently, transparently, and free from coercion or corruption.”
In his opening statement, Liam Kelly KC emphasised the broad scope and impartiality of the inquiry.
“Although the Terms of Reference place particular emphasis on misconduct by the CFMEU, they also require an investigation of misconduct by other players in the construction industry, not just the CFMEU.
“If evidence is found in this inquiry of corruption, it will be investigated with equal vigour against any person or company who participated in it.”
Mr Kelly also encouraged those with relevant information to come forward.
“The inquiry faces the difficulty that some people may be disinclined to speak out about wrongdoing in the construction industry because of the potential for intimidation of them.
“Sometimes, to protect a community, it is necessary for good people to have the courage to speak up about wrongdoing.
“The Commission wishes to assure the community at large that confidentiality will be protected if a person is vulnerable or at risk,” he said.
Anyone with information relevant to the inquiry is encouraged to make a submission. Public hearings will be livestreamed, and recordings and transcripts will be published on the Commission website.
Members of the public are also encouraged to follow the inquiry through its official X, Facebook and Instagram channels.
Media enquiries: media@cfmeuinquiry.qld.gov.au