Queensland Building Regulator Inquiry Hears Allegations of Misconduct in Public Office
A Queensland inquiry into the CFMEU heard testimony from a former building regulator manager alleging that the former QBCC commissioner may have committed misconduct in public office by targeting a contractor based on its refusal to sign a union agreement. The inquiry commissioner noted that if the alleged comments were made, they would likely constitute both a Fair Work Act violation and misconduct in public office. The allegations are part of a broader investigation into potential unlawful conduct by the regulator under pressure from government officials and union-linked board members.
Graham Easterby, a former Queensland Building and Construction Commission licensing manager, testified at a state inquiry that former QBCC commissioner Brett Bassett allegedly made comments suggesting the regulator targeted contractor Watpac because it refused to sign a CFMEU enterprise bargaining agreement. Inquiry commissioner Stuart Wood indicated that if such comments were made, they would constitute misconduct in public office and potentially violate the Fair Work Act. Easterby's testimony also detailed broader allegations of unlawful regulatory conduct, including pressure from then-minister Mick de Brenni and QBCC board chair Dick Williams to take licensing action against Watpac, with Bassett allegedly refusing to provide written directions for such actions. Easterby described unusual board involvement in operational matters, particularly after CFMEU figure Jade Ingham was appointed as a director, which he said disrupted his work schedule. Easterby and three colleagues ultimately resigned in July 2021 after a complaint against them for not following board directives, and Easterby subsequently filed a complaint with the Crime and Corruption Commission.
What's missing
The article does not include responses or statements from Brett Bassett, Mick de Brenni, Dick Williams, or Jade Ingham regarding the allegations made against them. The current status or timeline of the Crime and Corruption Commission's investigation is not specified.
What different sources said
- Sydney Morning HeraldCenter
Former building regulator boss might have committed misconduct: inquiry
- ABC AustraliaCenter
CFMEU leader pressured regulator to target certain contractors, inquiry hears
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