Overview
- Geoffrey Watson, author of the July report that prompted the probe, testified that CFMEU leaders sought an outlaw reputation and leveraged fear to gain power.
- Watson told the commission he interviewed nearly 60 people and was met with a culture of silence, saying officials were uncooperative and major builders avoided "rocking the boat."
- Counsel for Michael Ravbar, Kane Lowth and Jade Ingham sought a delay to access Watson’s source material, but Commissioner Stuart Wood dismissed the application after Counsel Assisting argued fairness did not require full disclosure at this stage.
- The first hearing block runs through Thursday with scheduled witnesses including construction worker Timothy Ellis, safety regulator Sarina Wise and administrator Mark Irving, as the 12‑month inquiry progresses toward a report due by July 31, 2026.
- The commission, which is also examining alleged organised crime links and the impact on the construction sector, follows administration of the union’s Queensland arm and recent security concerns including a charge against former boss John Setka for allegedly attempting to intimidate the administrator.