Legal Heavyweights Appointed to Lead Queensland Inquiry Into CFMEU Misconduct

Two senior experts have been appointed to head Queensland’s high-profile inquiry into the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining, and Energy Union (CFMEU).

Prominent industrial law barrister Stuart Wood will lead the inquiry, with Director-General Bob Gee appointed as secretary.

Wood was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2019 for his “significant service to the legal profession, particularly in the area of industrial relations.”

One of Wood’s most well-known cases representing Professor Peter Ridd in his unfair dismissal case against James Cook University in 2019.

“This inquiry represents a significant responsibility, and I am committed to conducting it with the thoroughness and rigour the people of Queensland deserve,” Wood said in a statement.

“The commission has been given broad powers to examine the matters set out in the terms of reference.

“I encourage all members of the construction industry—workers, employers, contractors, and anyone with relevant information—to participate in this process.”

Secretary Gee has served in numerous government roles over the span of four decades.

“It’s also been a privilege to work with the Minister for Youth Justice Laura Gerber and to lead huge reforms in the youth justice sector,” he said.

“With almost 40 years of service to the public it is an honour to take on the position of secretary of a commission which will help advance Queensland’s economy and society.”

What Prompted the Inquiry

The inquiry was announced in July off the back of a report, “Violence in the Queensland CFMEU” by Geoffrey Watson SC, which reported incidents of threats, intimidation, misogyny  and bullying.

In the report, the union was reportedly described by one minister as “so aggressive that nothing can satisfy its appetite.”

In one instance, the report revealed the CFMEU had written a message near a female minister’s office entirely out of tampons, in another, CFMEU members picketed an MP’s office without being able to explain their grievance.

The report also revealed a CFMEU member had attempted to challenge an Australian Workers Union (AWU) member to a physical fight.

Watson said he feared the report had “only scratched the surface.”

“There are many other potential witnesses and many other stories which could have been told,” he said.

Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie said the inquiry would give a voice both to victims and whistle-blowers.

“The Commission of Inquiry will investigate this militant union’s standover tactics and deliver the culture change needed to restore safety and productivity to construction sites,” he said.

“The inquiry will ensure the rule of law is returned to the construction industry.”

The CFMEU was placed into administration in 2024.