Watchdog calls for fines for CFMEU protesters

THE construction watchdog has urged a court to impose significant penalties on the CFMEU and almost 20 officials accused of shutting down two Brisbane worksites for almost 100 days.

The Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) lodged an application in 2016 to fine those involved in industrial action at QUT and Enoggera army barracks for 97 days in 2013, alleging it was a targeted attack on developer John Holland over an enterprise agreement. The case was leapt on by the Turnbull Government last year in its fight to restablish the ABCC.

Yesterday, a penalty hearing in the Federal Court was shown footage of protests at the sites. In one, a union protester holds up a sign referring to “scabs” being “weak as p---”.

ABCC barrister Chris Murdoch QC said the union and the officials involved, including State Secretary Jade Ingham, should be fined close to the maximum penalties of $51,000 and $10,200, respectively.

Justice Darryl Rangiah will hand down the penalties at a later date.