Politics · Australia · 2 days ago
CFMEU insider questions whether state inquiries will uncover the truth
Emma Walters, a former industrial lawyer who worked at the CFMEU, has raised concerns about whether state inquiries into the union and construction sector will uncover the truth and lead to action.
She made the comments while watching Queensland’s public inquiry in Brisbane.
The inquiry began in 2025 and has heard serious allegations involving union figures, government bodies and construction businesses.
It is led by barrister Stuart Wood KC, who is preparing an interim report this month.
Queensland’s inquiry is expected to continue until December 2027, and a Victorian inquiry is also being planned.
Walters said the findings matter to union members who want to understand how their union has been run.
Queensland’s peak union body has called for the inquiry to have a special prosecutor who could pursue potential charges before the final report.
Emma Walters, a Victorian CFMEU insider and former industrial lawyer, questioned whether Queensland’s inquiry into the union and construction sector would uncover the truth.
She also raised concerns about a planned Victorian inquiry.
Walters spoke to the Sydney Morning Herald while observing the Queensland inquiry from the public gallery.
The Queensland inquiry has heard allegations involving the CFMEU, the former state Labor government, police, workplace safety regulators and construction businesses.
The Queensland union peak body has called for the inquiry to have a special prosecutor who could refer potential charges before its final report.
- Who
- Emma Walters, a Victorian CFMEU insider and former industrial lawyer, questioned the inquiries’ ability to uncover the truth.
- What
- She raised concerns about whether Queensland’s inquiry and a planned Victorian inquiry would deliver on their promised actions.
- When
- October 10, 2026. Walters spoke on Thursday while observing the inquiry.
- Where
- Brisbane, at the Queensland inquiry.
- Why
- Walters said she wanted to understand whether the inquiries would uncover the truth and give union members insight into how their union had been run.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
But it’s very real to me and my interests whether or not the truth is what we are seeking here.
I really have a strong sense that unless that’s done, it’s a further opportunity lost for the members of the CFMEU, whether it be in Queensland, Victoria, NSW, et cetera, [to] gain information and understanding of the manner in which their union has been run.
The onus, I think, is very seriously on government and the legislative arm and the political arm to do the work, answer the taxpayer, allow the union member to gain some insight as to whether they’ve been a member of ... an inherently criminally corrupt organisation who’s used now known affiliations with outlaw [motorcycle] gangs.
Queensland launched its inquiry as a 12-month, $20 million probe.
Walters observed the Queensland inquiry from the public gallery and spoke to the Sydney Morning Herald.
The inquiry head prepared to issue an interim report, expected to address a new state construction code and regulator.
The inquiry’s reporting date was extended to this month.
- Inquiry funding
- Increased from $20 million to $95 million
- Inquiry hearings
- 15 weeks
- Inquiry head
- Stuart Wood KC
- Inquiry reporting date
- December 2027
- Expected interim report
- October 2026
Sources
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