started · updated
Queensland rejects review of BMD stadium contract amid bikie link allegations
Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie has announced that the state government will not review BMD’s contract for early works on the new Brisbane Stadium. This decision follows testimony at an inquiry into the CFMEU and the construction sector, which presented evidence of alleged links between a major firm and a bikie standover incident.
The inquiry heard evidence regarding a June 2024 incident involving a suspected plot by Melbourne-based figures to conduct a standover in Brisbane. Inquiry head Stuart Wood noted that a former Comanchero president, the head of security contractor Host, and two BMD managers may have breached laws.
During the hearings, police footage was shown of BMD manager Steve Thomas meeting with alleged Comanchero secretary William Samra. While Thomas testified the meeting was a social catch-up, the inquiry is investigating a suspected attempt to cover up threats made against a CFMEU member during a bridge project. Bleijie maintained that the government was unaware of these allegations prior to awarding the stadium contract to BMD.
Entities
BMD · Brisbane Stadium · CFMEU · Jarrod Bleijie · Stuart Wood
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie stated there will be no review of BMD’s contract for early works on the new Brisbane Stadium. www.brisbanetimes.com.au
- [○ 1 SOURCE] BMD manager Steve Thomas testified that his meeting with alleged Comanchero secretary William Samra was a social catch-up rather than a work meeting. www.smh.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Queensland government claims it was unaware of alleged links between BMD and a bikie standover before awarding stadium work. www.brisbanetimes.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] Inquiry head Stuart Wood stated that a former Comanchero president, a security contractor head, and two BMD managers may have breached laws during a June 2024 incident. www.brisbanetimes.com.au
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Counsel assisting the inquiry, Eddy Gisonda KC, presented evidence of a suspected plot involving Melbourne figures traveling to Brisbane for a standover effort. www.smh.com.au