Watch live: Queensland’s inquiry into the CFMEU By
Latest Posts 4.08pm Watson calls for audit of all delegates, leadership elections By Matt Dennien
Watson is now being asked about potential solutions to the problems he has identified.
He names overhauling the appointment and training of delegates and organisers, and the power to get rid of them, as one.
“I would urge you to contemplate a thorough audit of all of the delegates of the Queensland branch, and a restart,” Watson says.
Consideration of the enterprise bargaining system is another. “That system’s got to be reformed,” he says, and competition authorities – particularly in Victoria – need to look at this.
Another element would be “holding free and fair elections” – not because the best candidates will stand, but so bad ones can be removed. (The inquiry is reminded by Commissioner Stuart Wood about evidence heard last year that there had not been elections in Queensland for four cycles.)
Counsel assisting the inquiry Mark Costello, KC, asks if it’s also preferable to have CFMEU encroachment into civil construction usually led by the Australian Workers’ Union wound back.
Watson says “it should go back to where it is”, noting the union should not be on some of the sites it currently is.
After some brief discussion about whether Watson will need to return for cross-examination, Wood adjourns the inquiry.
We’ll be back for two more three-day hearing weeks from March 10.
3.59pm Senior women could fix union’s ‘macho, aggro boys club’, inquiry hears By William Davis
Having more women in senior roles could help reduce the prevalence of violence and corruption in the CFMEU, Watson tells the inquiry.
He singles out national union figures such as Sally McManus as among the most impressive people he met during his investigation, and cites the experience of the NSW branch, which did have high-ranking women and experienced fewer serious allegations.
ACTU secretary Sally McManus. Eamon
Read More