Queensland’s CFMEU engaged in “financial shadow operations” to bolster its income through an illegitimate use of workplace agreements, the state’s powerful inquiry into the union has heard.
Counsel assisting the inquiry Andrew Meagher KC opened Wednesday’s public hearing by saying these operations were largely not disclosed to union members or contractors signing agreements.
On Wednesday, the inquiry heard from forensic accountant Natalie Faulkner, a senior managing director and leader of Australian risk and investigations at FTI Consulting, who probed the union’s finances.
“We are looking at some of the financial shadow operations engaged in by the CFMEU, and it appears predominantly the CFMEU executive,” Meagher told the inquiry in the day’s opening session.
“I say shadow because there is no evidence to suggest these operations were disclosed to members – that is, with one exception.
“And, of course, disclosure was required under the law in respect of enterprise agreements. Nor was disclosure made to others.”
The eleventh week of public hearings is the first to dig into some of the union’s financial structures, activities and alleged wrongdoing.
On Tuesday, the inquiry heard the Queensland branch of the CFMEU improperly used donations to pay personal fines, including one of more than $30,000.
Matt Dennien is a reporter at Brisbane Times covering state politics, parliament and the public sector. He has previously worked for newspapers in Tasmania and Brisbane community radio station 4ZZZ. Contact him securely on Signal @mattdennien.15Connect via email.
