Penalties against CFMMEU and officials reduced
In May 2021, the ABCC commenced court proceedings alleging breaches of right of entry laws by the CFMMEU, the union’s Secretary of the Construction and General Division – Queensland and Northern Territory Divisional Branch Michael Ravbar (also the National Vice President of the union’s National Executive Committee), and union organiser Andrew Blakeley.
The breaches occurred at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) construction site in South Brisbane in November 2020.
In February 2022, the Federal Circuit and Family Court ordered penalties of $119,880 against the CFMMEU, $7,992 against Mr Blakeley and $10,656 against Mr Ravbar for these breaches of section 500 of the Fair Work Act.
After an appeal by the CFMMEU and officials, on 10 February 2023 the Federal Court imposed the reduced penalties of $73,260 against the CFMMEU, $6,000 against Mr Blakeley and $4,660 against Mr Ravbar.
These proceedings were transferred from the ABCC to the Fair Work Ombudsman in December 2022, after the hearing of the appeal.
