Union misconduct claims examined as inquiry gets under way in Queensland; Inquiry hears man now accused of murder drove officials to Geoffrey Watson probe
Events began in the half-full courtroom 17 of the Brisbane Magistrates’ Court: with a request from the lawyer acting on behalf of the ousted state CFMEU leadership to postpone the first week of hearings.
Ruth O’Gorman KC, acting on behalf of former Queensland CFMEU officials Michael Ravbar and Kane Lowth, applied to the inquiry’s commissioner, Stuart Wood AM KC, to postpone this three-day hearing to a later date.
Ruth O’Gorman KC and clients Kane Lowth and Michael Ravbar.
O’Gorman argued that although it had been in operation since August, his clients had not been provided with any material from the investigation, despite numerous requests, particularly in relation to the report and work of union management-appointed inspector Geoffrey Watson SC, who was to be called as the first witness.
“To the extent that Mr Ravbar is committed to the opportunity to defend himself by being allowed to sit on this commission, the question may be asked whether it is fair to be asked to do so while essentially having one hand tied behind his back,” O’Gorman said.
“If this commission is to be conducted in a fair, open and transparent manner (as it must), Mr. Ravbar requests these materials before Mr. Watson is called as a witness so that he can properly prepare for and attend the hearing.”
Colin Mandy, acting on behalf of former CFMEU official Jade Ingham, also joined the application.
