“Unions play a vital role in Australian society. The movement is recognised as playing a special role in keeping people safe,” he said.
Counsel assisting the inquiry, Steve Kelly, KC, said it would not have an “anti-union” agenda.
“It would be a genuine misapprehension for any person to see the inquiry as anti-union, it is not,” he said.
Steve Kelly, KC (left), after the first public hearing of the CFMEU inquiry.Credit: Julius Dennis
“In fact this commission acknowledges that trade unionism has played a critical part in the development of the Australian economy.”
Kelly invited anyone who was concerned about “procedural fairness” during the inquiry to come forward, highlighting that every voice must be heard.
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“At the end of this inquiry our determination is to arrive at the destination where no one can say they did not have a chance to be heard.”
Wood said the inquiry would examine the construction sector, beyond the allegations of rife infiltration by bikies and organised criminals, intimidation and corruption in the CFMEU uncovered by this masthead, the Australian Financial Review and 60 Minutes would be examined.
“A key function of this inquiry will be to ascertain the truth of these allegations,” he said.
“This inquiry will also examine misconduct in the construction industry that has been perpetuated by others.”
On Wednesday, the inquiry’s secretary Bob Gee — who has stepped away from his role as director-general of the Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support — read the inquiry’s terms of reference to the hearing.
No evidence was heard and the next hearing date was yet to be set.
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