Witness list for Cairns public hearings 12-14 May 2026

10 May 2026

The Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU and Misconduct in the Construction Industry will hold public hearings in Cairns between Tuesday 12 May 2026 and Thursday 14 May 2026.

It is anticipated that evidence will be heard from the following witnesses.

  • Karim de Ridder –Acting Team Leader in the Asbestos and Demolition Compliance Unit, Compliance and Field Services at Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ)
  • Shannon Farrington – Former Operations Manager for the Cairns and Far North Region, WHSQ
  • John Dalamaras – Operations Manager for Cairns, WHSQ
  • Paul Smith – Regional Director for North Queensland, WHSQ
  • Ryan Creighton – former Director of Global Hire & Service Pty Ltd
  • Rhys Carmady – Director of Status Signs Pty Ltd
  • Rohan Patteson – Operations Manager of R&A Enterprises Pty Ltd t/a The Breakthrough Group

Hearings will be held at 34 Esplanade, Cairns City. It is envisaged that each hearing day will be conducted at the following times:

  • 09:45 am – 11:00 am
  • 11:30 am – 01:00 pm
  • 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Friday 15 May has been booked as a contingency and its utility will be assessed based on evidence covered across the previous three days.

The above information is subject to change at late notice and any updates will be published on our website.

Members of the public are encouraged to watch the hearings live via our website. Transcripts will be published online as they become available.

Workers, subcontractors, industry participants and community members are encouraged to come forward with information they feel is relevant to the inquiry. This information will be treated in strict confidence unless stated otherwise.

This information can be provided either by calling our reporting hotline on 1800 810 933, or by filling out our online form.

ENDS 

Media enquiries: media@cfmeuinquiry.qld.gov.au

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Last updated: May 2026