Head of CFMEU threatened bureaucrats at meeting, inquiry hears
The Queensland CFMEU inquiry heard that state secretary Michael Ravbar made threats and used offensive language toward government officials during a 2021 meeting. Vince Sanfilippo of CPB Contractors alleged that Ravbar challenged a project agreement and called senior bureaucrats 'lazy c***s' in a confrontational tone. The inquiry continues, with further testimony expected from CPB Contractors staff.
- ▪Michael Ravbar, Queensland CFMEU secretary, allegedly called government directors general 'lazy c***s' during a 2021 meeting.
- ▪Vince Sanfilippo testified that Ravbar threatened Director General Neil Scales to 'choose [his] words very carefully' in a menacing tone.
- ▪CPB Contractors claimed its safety record was 'manufactured' by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, affecting its tender outcomes.
- ▪The dispute centered on a Bruce Highway upgrade agreement that bypassed full Best Practice Industry Conditions, which the CFMEU opposed.
- ▪The inquiry has not yet heard from Ravbar, who is represented by legal counsel but has not given evidence.
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Head of CFMEU made threats and called government officials 'lazy c***s' at negotiation meeting, inquiry hearsBy Tobi LoftusTopic:UnionsWed 29 Apr 2026 at 2:54pmWed 29 Apr 2026 at 2:54pmWed 29 Apr 2026 at 2:54pmA CFMEU inquiry has heard state secretary Michael Ravbar threatened bureaucrats at a meeting in 2021. (ABC News: Steve Cavenagh)In short: A commission of inquiry into the CFMEU in Queensland has heard state secretary Michael Ravbar made threats at a 2021 meeting about project conditions and accused top bureaucrats of being "lazy c***s".The head of CPB Contractors Vince Sanfilippo told the inquiry his company lost tenders due to a "manufactured safety record" against the company by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.What's next?The inquiry before Commissioner Stuart Wood KC…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).