The Queensland government CFMEU inquiry has published images of 15 men suspected to be present at a brawl on a key Annerley worksite, asking to speak with the men so “all relevant perspectives are heard” in the $19.7 million probe.
Released on Sunday afternoon, a statement from the commission of inquiry said the men had been at a “confrontational protest” at an Annerley Cross River Rail worksite on May 1, 2024.
The 15 unidentified men – some of whom were wearing masks and other face coverings – were seen with known union members at the edge of the site along Cope Street.
The images were provided by investigators following a suspected brawl at the worksite.
“Media footage … showed a physical confrontation involving multiple individuals near the Cope Street works spilling onto the street before groups dispersed prior to police arrival,” the statement from the inquiry read.
Senior Counsel Assisting Patrick Wheelahan KC urged anyone who might know the whereabouts of the more than a dozen men to come forward, so the inquiry could question the men and “ensure all relevant perspectives are heard”.
“These individuals were present at a significant incident on the Cross River Rail worksite, and their recollections may help the Commission form a clearer understanding of what occurred that day,” Wheelahan said.
The commission of inquiry was launched by the state after reporting by this masthead and 60 Minutes detailed criminality, corruption and misconduct in the union and construction sector nationwide.
