Commissioner Stuart Wood KC, addressing today's initial hearing for his inquiry into the CFMEU in Queeensland, expressed his gratitude for the "unsolicited written commitment" from union administrator Mark Irving KC to cooperate with the probe.
The inquiry into the CFMEU construction division's Queensland branch is set to begin its public proceedings next week in Brisbane with an opening statement from Commissioner Stuart Wood KC and an address from senior counsel assisting, Liam Kelly KC.
Silk Liam Kelly, who has a strong background in commercial law, and two junior counsel have been appointed to assist Commissioner Stuart Wood KC's inquiry into the CFMEU construction and general division's Queensland branch
The Albanese Government has confirmed it will tomorrow table a long-awaited report tracking the financial performance of the CFMEU's construction and general division under administrator Mark Irving KC, as the Senate rejects a call for an inquiry into the administration's effectiveness and transparency.
Queensland's Crisafulli Government will hold a commission of inquiry into the State branch of the CFMEU's construction division in the wake of a report concluding that its former leaders ran a "violent, cruel, misogynist" regime.
The Federal Court has ousted HSU secretary Diana Asmar and has put her Victorian No 1 branch wholly in the hands of administrator Charlie Donnelly until a fresh leadership team is elected, as early as the middle of next year.
CFMEU construction and general division administrator Mark Irving says today's High Court decision upholding the administration "paves the way for the greater systemic reforms" needed for the union and the broader industry, while the Albanese Government says it will give him "all necessary support".
CFMEU national leader Zach Smith is stepping back from his role as secretary of the under-administration construction division to focus on its Victorian branch, stating that while he is "willing to take responsibility for decisions I make", he "cannot be asked to take responsibility for decisions" that are not his.
The CFMEU construction division's ACT branch committee of management is urging administrator Mark Irving KC to reinstate Michael Hiscox as acting branch secretary, contradicting claims he oversaw an "unsustainable" financial and membership decline.
