The Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU and Misconduct in the Construction Industry has announced two upcoming blocks of public hearings, marking the next phase of its investigation into alleged corruption, coercion, and misconduct within one of Australia’s most powerful unions.
The first series of hearings will take place at the Magistrates Court in Brisbane from Tuesday, 18 November to Thursday, 20 November 2025, followed by a second block at the Harry Gibbs Commonwealth Law Courts Building, also in Brisbane, from Tuesday, 2 December to Thursday, 4 December 2025.
Witness lists for each session are expected to be released closer to the dates, with the Commission encouraging members of the public to tune in via the live stream on its official website, www.cfmeuinquiry.qld.gov.au. Transcripts will be made available after each hearing.
A Deepening Inquiry into Union Conduct
The Commission of Inquiry was established earlier in 2025 by the Queensland Government in response to escalating concerns about alleged unlawful behaviour, intimidation tactics, and financial irregularities linked to the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU).
Its mandate is to investigate patterns of misconduct across the construction sector and recommend structural reforms to improve governance, safety, and fairness within the industry.
Headed by a retired senior judge, the Commission has already received submissions from contractors, builders, and industry bodies, with some revealing long-standing concerns over site safety pressures, enterprise bargaining practices, and alleged misuse of union power.
Earlier hearings in mid-2025 focused on the union’s internal governance, including its financial management, disciplinary procedures, and alleged links to organised crime. The upcoming sessions are expected to delve deeper into these claims, calling high-profile witnesses from both the union and construction firms.
Industry and Public Interest Growing
The inquiry has drawn national attention, given the CFMEU’s influence across major infrastructure and residential projects. The union represents tens of thousands of construction workers and has been at the centre of both industrial victories and repeated controversy over the past two decades.
In recent years, the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) and other watchdogs have highlighted repeated breaches by the union, ranging from unlawful industrial action to threats and coercive conduct on worksites. The Commission’s findings are expected to shed light on whether cultural or structural issues within the CFMEU have allowed such behaviour to persist.
For builders and contractors, the hearings represent a pivotal moment. Many have expressed frustration at what they describe as an uneven playing field, where union power and political influence have, at times, undermined fair competition and site efficiency.
A Sector Watching Closely
The construction sector, already dealing with cost pressures, insolvencies, and a labour shortage, is watching the inquiry closely. If the Commission’s recommendations lead to reform, such as improved accountability measures or changes to industrial relations frameworks, it could reshape how builders, trades, and unions interact across Australia.
The Good Builder community has seen a surge in interest around this topic, reflecting a shared desire for greater transparency and trust within the construction ecosystem. Many in the industry believe that a reset in union relations could support better site safety, fairer contracting conditions, and more sustainable project delivery.
Public Transparency
The Commission’s decision to broadcast hearings publicly underscores its commitment to openness and accountability.
Members of the public, media, and industry professionals can stay informed via the following official channels:
- Website: www.cfmeuinquiry.qld.gov.au
- X (Twitter): @cfmeuinquiry
- Facebook: @cfmeuinquiry
- Instagram: @cfmeuinquiry
The next six weeks promise to be a defining chapter in the CFMEU’s story and a test of the industry’s appetite for cultural and structural reform.
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