Senior transport official tells CFMEU inquiry union bosses 'stalked' her children

Emotional testimony details 'creepy' comments about school-aged daughter

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A senior Department of Transport and Main Roads official has told Queensland's CFMEU inquiry that union bosses made her feel 'stalked' and that their behaviour towards her was 'disturbing, creepy, and inexcusable', including unsettling comments about the whereabouts of her school-aged daughter.

In emotional testimony on Thursday, the public servant — whose identity is suppressed — detailed a pattern of intimidation she says she endured from Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) officials while working in a senior role.

She told the inquiry that union representatives repeatedly made comments that suggested they were monitoring her movements outside of work. On one occasion, officials referenced where her daughter attended school, leaving the mother deeply shaken.

"It was disturbing, creepy, and inexcusable," she said. "They knew where my child went to school. They made comments about it in front of me."

The woman, who served as a former transport boss, said the harassment extended beyond professional boundaries and into her personal life, with comments about her children becoming a regular feature of interactions with union figures.

Her evidence comes as the inquiry investigates allegations of misconduct, intimidation and undue influence by the CFMEU within Queensland's infrastructure and transport sectors. The union has previously denied any systemic wrongdoing, though individual cases of aggressive behaviour have been aired during the hearings.

A CFMEU spokesperson declined to comment on the specific allegations while the inquiry is ongoing but reiterated the union's position that it operates within the bounds of industrial law and rejects unlawful intimidation.

Opposition politicians seized on the testimony, with Shadow Transport Minister Steve Minnikin calling the revelations "deeply concerning" and demanding stronger protections for public servants. "No worker should be followed or have their children targeted simply for doing their job," he said.

The inquiry continues to hear evidence from current and former officials, with further witnesses expected in the coming weeks.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The testimony raises serious questions about the boundaries between union advocacy and personal intimidation, potentially reshaping Queensland's industrial relations landscape.
  • If the claims are substantiated, they could lead to legislative changes imposing stricter penalties for union misconduct and enhanced protections for public servants.
  • The case highlights the broader tension between union power and government accountability in major infrastructure projects.

Background

The CFMEU has faced multiple inquiries and legal actions across Australia over the past decade, including a federal probe into alleged links with organised crime. In Queensland, the current inquiry was established in response to accusations of bullying, coercion and improper influence over public officials involved in major road and rail projects. The union has historically wielded significant power in the construction sector, often clashing with government departments over workplace conditions and hiring practices. Previous witnesses have described a culture of fear within transport agencies, but this testimony marks the first time a senior official has detailed alleged targeting of family members.

Key Perspectives

[The Witness (Senior Transport Official)]: She asserts that union officials deliberately crossed professional boundaries to intimidate her, including commenting on her children's whereabouts, which she characterises as stalking and a form of psychological harassment designed to pressure her into favourable decisions.

[The CFMEU]: The union has not directly responded to these specific allegations but maintains generally that it engages in legitimate industrial action and denies systemic intimidation. It may argue that the official's perception of harassment is exaggerated or that comments were taken out of context.

[Queensland Government / Opposition]: Government ministers have expressed concern and promised a full investigation. The opposition is using the testimony to call for tougher laws against union misconduct, with some suggesting the CFMEU should be deregistered if found to have engaged in criminal behaviour.

What to Watch

  • Any subsequent testimony from CFMEU representatives or witnesses who may corroborate or contradict the official's account.
  • The inquiry's final recommendations, expected later this year, which could call for new legislation protecting public servants from reprisals.
  • Potential police investigation if the inquiry refers the stalking allegations to law enforcement.

Sources

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