Statement: Report into culture of Queensland union

9 July 2025

Quotes attributable to Master Builders CEO, Paul Bidwell.

"Master Builders supports the strong action by Administrator Mark Irving KC in releasing the report by Geoffrey Watson SC, uncovering a culture of violence cultivated and carried out by certain members of the Queensland branch of the CFMEU.

“We support those who had the courage to come forward to share what are horrific stories, with a view to exposing and eradicating criminal, coercive and corrupt behaviour within the union.

“We are encouraged by witness accounts that the sector has been ‘relatively peaceful’ since the Administration commenced—and Mr Watson’s view that this ‘proves the cycle of violence can be broken’.

“We support an industry where unions operate lawfully, are free from violence and operating in an open and transparent way, protecting the rights and safety of workers. This in turn will help drive up productivity at a crucial time for our state.

“We are hopeful the ongoing, robust Administration process will result in a clear outcome for the union in Queensland and across the nation.

"The reality is, if we want to be an industry of choice for the next generation of young men and women, and attract the thousands of workers needed to deliver what is a never-before-seen pipeline of work in Queensland, something needs to be done to address the toxic culture that this report categorically shows exists in the industry. Restoring community confidence is crucial.

“Implementing the seven recommendations outlined is critical to cleaning up the union from top to bottom and stamping out abusive and threatening behaviour.”