Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie has voiced his confidence in the appointment of Stuart Wood AM KC, a barrister affiliated with the Liberal Party, to lead the state inquiry into the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU). In a statement made during a media conference in Brisbane, Bleijie emphasized that the barrister is recognized as one of the top industrial relations experts in Australia. He underscored the importance of the inquiry being conducted independently and fairly, drawing comparisons to previous inquiries led by individuals with political affiliations, including those conducted under Labor leadership.
The Deputy Premier defended the choice of Wood by referencing earlier cases where individuals with ties to specific political parties successfully conducted inquiries. He cited a federal Royal Commission appointed by the Labor Party, where the appointed commissioner had previously sued a conservative premier, yet still managed to carry out a credible inquiry. He also mentioned the Coaldrake inquiry, which scrutinized the Labor Party despite the inquiry leader’s donations to them, remarking on the positive changes that emerged from that inquiry regarding public sector culture and accountability.
Bleijie indicated that he and Attorney-General Deb Frecklington had considered various options before recommending Wood to the cabinet. He made it clear that Wood’s qualifications and experience were decisive factors in their choice. The Deputy Premier stressed the need for a leader with significant expertise and professional gravitas to oversee this important investigation so that it garners the respect and attention it requires.
The inquiry’s scope is extensive, expected to not only examine alleged issues within the CFMEU but also delve into its connections with the former Labor government. The inquiry’s potential implications reflect broader concerns about accountability and transparency in unions and their relationships with political entities. Allowing a high-caliber legal mind like Wood to lead such an inquiry is seen as an effort to ensure meticulous examination of these intertwined relationships.
Bleijie mentioned the estimated timeline for the inquiry, projecting that it should take around 12 months to gather the necessary evidence and provide findings. He also indicated a willingness to accommodate any requests from Wood if he determines that additional time is necessary to ensure thoroughness in the investigation. This flexibility reinforces the government’s commitment to a comprehensive process in addressing these significant issues.
In summary, the appointment of a barrister with Liberal affiliations to lead a politically sensitive inquiry raises questions about impartiality, yet Bleijie firmly believes in his qualifications. The inquiry’s intent to scrutinize the CFMEU and its ties to past governance aims to foster a culture of accountability, reminiscent of effective inquiries in the past, and seeks to ensure that the outcomes strengthen moral governance in Queensland’s political realm.
