Dozens of witnesses have been called to give evidence at the CFMEU inquiry which held its first public hearing in Brisbane today. The probe is examining the union's alleged links to organised crime in Queensland and other misconduct allegations.
00:00The state's building sector under the microscope.
00:06There appear to be significant questions as to whether unlawful or improper conduct has taken root within the construction industry here in Queensland.
00:14The probe into the Queensland branch, the CFMEU, will examine allegations the union had links to organised crime.
00:21It will also focus on its financial dealings, along with misconduct allegations.
00:26If evidence is found by this inquiry of misconduct such as corrupt conduct, then the public can be assured that the inquiry will pursue that.
00:38The government launched the inquiry after a report alleged the union used violence in its pursuit of power.
00:44This is a once in a generation opportunity to lift the curtain on the shadowy operations of the CFMEU, of the bullying, the misogyny, the intimidation.
00:53Last year, the CFMEU was placed into administration nationally.
00:57Impacts on housing costs, major projects like Cross River Rail and the Olympics will also be explored.
01:03The inquiry has already issued about a hundred summonses and a number of other witnesses have also come forward saying they plan to give evidence.
01:12They've got the power to compel witnesses to produce documents, to issue warrants, to search and seize important documents.
01:23The union says it won't let the inquiry distract them from representing members.
01:27Let's hope this inquiry is actually about improving workplace culture for all workers across Queensland.
01:33The industry is engaged and ready to participate in it and hopefully we'll see a really good outcome with an industry that's cleaned up.
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