The CFMEU “purposefully” disrupted works on Brisbane’s taxpayer-funded Cross River Rail to “maximise” construction delays and budget blowouts, Queensland’s inquiry into the union has heard.

The union’s involvement in Queensland’s largest infrastructure project is at the forefront of this week’s public hearings, with Cross River Rail Delivery Authority chief executive Graeme Newton giving evidence over two days.

The 10.2km underground rail network is due to open in 2029, five years behind schedule, with costs ballooning from $5.4 billion to an estimated $19 billion.

Workers in construction uniforms hold CFMEU flags as they march in protest

The Queensland branch of the CFMEU said in a social media post that the state government had “been repeatedly warned about cost cutting and major safety issues”. (ABC News)

Construction was halted for 148 days between April and December in 2024 amid a tense enterprise bargaining dispute between contractor CPB and the CFMEU.

“During rallies, protests and other forms of industrial action … the CFMEU appeared to adopt a strategic and tactical approach to site disruption,” Mr Newton said in his written statement.

“In these instances, the CFMEU appeared to use their knowledge of major construction phases to purposefully disrupt specific works, maximising negative impact on the wider project delivery program.”

“The CFMEU appeared to target critical … works with an aim to disrupt site operations … force significant rescheduling of works and prevent the project from achieving major milestones,” he said.

a large group of workers in high-vis shirts gathered at a park. CFMEU branding can be seen in the background

The union was accused of disrupting site operations on critical works.  (ABC News: Michael Rennie)

Union members allegedly poured concrete into toilets to clog them, damaged concrete pumps and stole keys from subcontractors, according to Mr Newton’s submission.

‘Misinformation campaign’

Mr Newton told the inquiry the CFMEU “consistently made unsubstantiated claims” on social media and through media organisations about “poor safety” on worksites, including asbestos exposure and heat stress.

“It became a pretty standard practice of the CFMEU to just put misinformation into the marketplace to undermine the credibility of the project, the Delivery Authority, the contractors and people working on the project,” Mr Newton said, calling it  “disruptive and unproductive”.

In his statement, he cited “sustained CFMEU interference” as a contributor to long-term timeline setbacks and increased operational costs.

‘Probity’ risks

On Tuesday, Mr Newton told the inquiry he was concerned about the risk of “probity” during the project’s procurement process.

He said he had “aggressive” meetings with senior CFMEU officials Michael Ravbar and Jade Ingham in which they attempted to influence the tender selection.

Union members protest next to a road

The CFMEU told media organisations the conditions on Cross River Rail construction sites were not safe in the summer. (ABC Radio Brisbane: Kenji Sato)

Mr Newton told the hearing it was “evident” the union had a “direct line of communication” into then deputy premier Jackie Trad’s office to put forward its demands.

In a statement, Ms Trad told the ABC she was “more than willing to cooperate with the inquiry and give evidence, should that be required.”

“Respecting the ongoing deliberations of the Inquiry, I will reserve making any further comment unless requested to appear,” she said. 

All branches of the construction arm of the CFMEU were placed into administration in 2024 amid allegations bikie gangs and crime syndicates had infiltrated the organisation.

Mr Newton said productivity had since been “restored” with major construction works completed on time or ahead of schedule.