Inquiry Hears Evidence of Disguised Protest Disrupting Major Construction Site
A construction industry inquiry has been told that a group of masked individuals, allegedly linked to a union, shut down a major concrete pour at a Brisbane rail station site, leading to a significant project delay.
Key Details from Evidence
CPB Queensland and Papua New Guinea general manager Vince Sanfilippo provided a statement to the inquiry regarding an incident in April 2023. He reviewed body camera footage which showed a group of masked individuals blocking access to the Albert Street station site.
The group was asked to leave by project staff for disrupting truck flow but refused. Police were noted as not intervening because they "had to meet the crowd halfway."
According to Mr. Sanfilippo’s account, a man identified as former MMA fighter Eben Cox, described as a "CFMEU organiser," identified himself to police as a representative of the group. The protest was described to police as a climate change-related protest against laying down concrete in cities.
Of note, no mention of the CFMEU or identifying clothing was made by the group.
Impact on Construction Work
The action resulted in the cancellation of a concrete pour, causing a 12-day delay to the project. The works that day were being carried out by subcontractor Rocktown, which was not aligned with the CFMEU.
Context
The inquiry has adjourned for lunch until 2pm.