Feb 10 • 07:02 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

Controversial construction policy cost Queenslanders billions, inquiry told

An inquiry in Queensland revealed that Labor leaders neglected warnings from industry leaders regarding a controversial construction policy.

An ongoing inquiry into the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) in Queensland has uncovered significant allegations of misconduct and negligence by past Labor government officials. During the proceedings, it was revealed that industry leaders voiced serious concerns about the BPIC policy introduced in 2018, which potentially cost Queenslanders billions. The chief executive of the Civil Contractors Federation Queensland, Damien Long, testified that these warnings were consistently ignored by the former premier and senior ministers in the Labor government, raising questions about accountability and governance within the state's political framework.

The inquiry is focused on the CFMEU’s practices and its links to alleged criminal activities, which has put the spotlight on labor unions' influence in government policy-making. The BPIC policy itself has been criticized for its lack of transparency and supposed negative impact on the construction industry's financial health. As the inquiry progresses, it aims to assess not just the specific policy's repercussions but also the broader implications for regulatory oversight in Queensland and the integrity of public officials.

With the inquiry's final report expected to be submitted to the Queensland government in July, the outcomes could lead to significant political and operational reforms. Stakeholders across the construction industry are closely watching as the process unfolds, aware that the findings may influence future labor relations and policy development strategies. The state's response to these findings will be crucial in restoring public trust in government practices and regulatory frameworks within the construction sector.

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