CFMEU inquiry to hear from union rival who reported 'orchestrated campaign' of threats

A Queensland inquiry examining the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) is set to hear evidence from a rival union leader who reported an "orchestrated campaign" of threats and intimidation to the state's most senior police officers.

During Tuesday's hearing, Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) general secretary Jacqueline King detailed what she described as escalating hostility directed at Australian Workers' Union (AWU) state secretary Stacey Schinnerl.

The commission of inquiry, established to investigate allegations of misconduct and corruption within the Queensland division of the CFMEU, has begun its second block of public hearings in Brisbane. It was launched by the Queensland government in July, following a damning review of the union's state operations. The following month, all state and territory branches of the CFMEU's construction division were placed into administration.

The inquiry has been closely examining allegations that the militant union used intimidation and violence to exert influence over civil construction sites, particularly targeting its main competitor, the AWU.

Ms King told the commission that Ms Schinnerl and her staff had been subjected to increasing aggression from CFMEU members. She said the behaviour had become so concerning that Ms Schinnerl installed CCTV at her home and took other personal safety precautions.

One incident, Ms King said, involved a CFMEU member verbally abusing Ms Schinnerl in front of her children during Brisbane's Labour Day march.

"Things were going pear-shaped pretty rapidly," Ms King told the inquiry. "She'd told me she was concerned for her family and she was concerned for her staff as well."

Becoming emotional while giving evidence, Ms King added: "I remember having the view that I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something actually happened."

The inquiry continues today.