CFMEU inquiry reveals legal threat to Queensland Police Commissioner

During a Queensland inquiry into the CFMEU and the construction sector, evidence was presented regarding a legal threat made by former union leader Michael Ravbar to Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski.

In a letter dated May 10, 2024, Ravbar accused police officers of “breaching, or coming perilously close to breaching” the Fair Work Act and the Work Health and Safety Act. The complaint stemmed from an incident on May 3, 2024, at the Cross River Rail worksite in Dutton Park, where police moved on union members who had been refused entry by project staff.

Ravbar alleged that the Queensland Police Service failed to adhere to a memorandum of understanding with the Office of Industrial Relations, which requires officers to follow the regulator's advice regarding workplace entry matters. He stated that the Commissioner’s response to the letter would have a “significant bearing” on whether the union would pursue litigation against the police.