Politics · Australia · 3 hrs ago
Inquiry hears CFMEU resisted changes to workplace safety complaints
A Queensland inquiry into the CFMEU and misconduct in construction heard that the union resisted changes to safety complaint handling.
Former department head Michael De’Ath said a proposed system would have routed union complaints through a central phone hotline.
Instead, the CFMEU told deputy director-general Kym Bancroft that safety calls should go directly to her, De’Ath told the inquiry.
He described that approach as reckless, and agreed it could have been intended to pressure Bancroft.
The inquiry also examined the reassignment of workplace safety official Helen Burgess; phone records showed calls and messages between former CFMEU leader Michael Ravbar and De’Ath, though De’Ath said he could not recall Ravbar calling about her role.
The inquiry is examining the union’s conduct in Queensland’s construction industry, including how safety complaints were handled.
A Queensland inquiry heard that the CFMEU resisted a proposed central hotline for workplace safety complaints.
The union instead said health and safety calls should go directly to former deputy director-general Kym Bancroft, Michael De’Ath told the inquiry.
De’Ath described the union’s conduct as “completely inappropriate” and “incredibly unsafe”.
The inquiry also examined the reassignment of workplace safety official Helen Burgess and calls between former CFMEU leader Michael Ravbar and De’Ath.
Phone records showed several calls and text messages between Ravbar and De’Ath on August 5, 2022.
- Who
- The CFMEU and Queensland officials, including Michael De’Ath and Kym Bancroft.
- What
- An inquiry heard the CFMEU resisted a proposed central hotline for workplace safety complaints and wanted calls directed to Bancroft.
- When
- The inquiry heard the evidence on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
- Where
- Queensland, Australia.
- Why
- Not stated.
Proposed central hotline
CFMEU
Complaint handling
Proposed central hotline
Kym Bancroft proposed that unions lodge complaints through a central 1300-number hotline.
CFMEU
The CFMEU said health and safety calls should be made directly to Bancroft.
Phone records showed multiple calls and text messages between Michael Ravbar and Michael De’Ath, followed by a call from De’Ath to Kym Bancroft.
Kym Bancroft’s affidavit to the commission said De’Ath called her about Ravbar being upset that she had removed Helen Burgess from her role.
The inquiry heard De’Ath’s evidence about the CFMEU’s response to proposed changes to workplace safety complaints.
- Proposed system
- Central 1300-number hotline for union complaints
- CFMEU’s requested arrangement
- Health and safety calls made directly to Kym Bancroft
- Former Queensland official
- Michael De’Ath
- Workplace safety official
- Helen Burgess
- Phone records
- Multiple calls and text messages between Ravbar and De’Ath on August 5, 2022
What people are saying
[It was] completely inappropriate and actually quite reckless … [and] incredibly unsafe
Without a doubt
I do not recall