Unions have raised questions about the impartiality of the lawyer appointed to lead a commission of inquiry into Queensland’s CFMEU, after it emerged Stuart Wood KC was a former member of the Liberal party and has predominantly acted for businesses.
Deputy Premier and Industrial Relations Minister Jarrod Bleijie announced on Friday that Wood, an industrial relations lawyer with 30 years’ experience, would serve as commissioner. Bleijie described Wood as “the most pre-eminent qualified industrial relations expert in Australia” and said he would be required by law to act independently.
Queensland Council of Unions general secretary Jacqueline King said Wood’s background, including his role as secretary of the conservative Samuel Griffith Society, called into question his ability to conduct the inquiry impartially. “Are those personal biases and potential conflicts going to get in the way of having an independent, impartial commission of inquiry?” she asked.
King acknowledged Wood’s experience but noted that a lawyer who had only represented unions would face similar scrutiny. She expressed concern the inquiry could become a “union-bashing and Labor-bashing exercise”.
Bleijie dismissed the criticism as a “smear campaign” from the Labor party. Wood said he was “delighted to accept this appointment” and committed to conducting the inquiry with “thoroughness and rigour”. The inquiry will investigate allegations of threats, violence, intimidation and organised crime within the CFMEU, and is scheduled to run for 12 months.
