Overview
- Witnesses gave sworn testimony that a May 1, 2024 picket at the Cross River Rail Dutton Park site turned violent when masked picketers blocked the gate and physically restrained or pushed workers, a clash that spilled onto Noble Street.
- Electrical safety officer Sky Lewis told the inquiry she was grabbed and pushed and felt 'trapped and terrified', testimony that helped trigger video evidence showing punches being thrown.
- Labourer Soane Tuakalau said he was struck in the head during the confrontation and later 'saw red', and other workers described being threatened or targeted in the weeks after the brawl.
- Commissioner Stuart Wood publicly accused former site manager Patrick O'Brien of deliberately withholding evidence after the inquiry reviewed management WhatsApp logs and transcripts, and counsel assisting will advise on next steps.
- The Federal Court issued an urgent injunction stopping CFMEU blockades the day after the incident and the inquiry’s findings could prompt legal, regulatory or industry changes given the wider safety and industrial tensions on the Cross River Rail project.