Brief
Queensland government stalls on special prosecutor for CFMEU inquiry
The LNP government has not responded to calls for a special prosecutor, leaving the decision to the ongoing CFMEU commission of inquiry.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli’s government has not publicly answered repeated calls for a special prosecutor to work alongside the ongoing Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) and the construction sector, according to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald on October 19, 2026.
What happened
The CFMEU’s peak union body urged the state government on October 9 to consider appointing a special prosecutor. Since then, the government has issued only a generic response, stating that the matter is for the CoI, which is led by former judge Stuart Wood. The CoI, established with a $95 million budget, lacks the authority to create a special prosecutor, a power that exists in Victoria.
What the reports add
The article notes that Geoffrey Watson, whose report prompted the LNP to launch the Wood‑led probe, now backs the special prosecutor idea, but the Attorney‑General’s office has not confirmed any plan to expand prosecutorial powers. A statement from Attorney‑General Deb Frecklington’s office reiterated that the inquiry has heard evidence of wrongdoing and will continue its work, without committing to a special prosecutor.
What was said
Frecklington’s office said: “The Crisafulli Government established the CoI to ensure these serious matters are thoroughly examined and will continue to support the Commission in carrying out its important work.” The article also quotes the government’s response to media inquiries as a “background” message indicating the issue is for the inquiry.
How it came about
The push for a special prosecutor follows the CFMEU’s demand for stronger investigative powers and comes amid broader LNP reforms, including strike‑breaking powers for Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie and a new bridge design for Bribie Island announced earlier in October. Earlier Felo News coverage linked Crisafulli’s focus on small‑business issues and infrastructure projects, showing a pattern of the premier’s agenda ahead of the 2028 state election.
Key facts
- The Queensland government has not publicly responded to calls for a special prosecutor for the CFMEU inquiry. (smh.com.au)
- Attorney‑General Deb Frecklington’s office said the decision on a special prosecutor is a matter for the Commission of Inquiry. (smh.com.au)
- The CFMEU’s peak union body first urged the government to consider a special prosecutor on October 9, 2026. (smh.com.au)
- The Commission of Inquiry, led by Stuart Wood, was allocated $95 million but lacks authority to appoint a special prosecutor. (smh.com.au)
- Geoffrey Watson, whose report sparked the inquiry, now backs the special prosecutor proposal. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “CFMEU inquiry: Crisafulli Queensland LNP government passing the buck to probe on prosecutor call”
