Queensland union inquiry uncovers claims of vehicle tracking and poisoned dogs
The Queensland Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU heard accusations that the union used private detectives to place a tracking device on a security contractor’s vehicle and was connected to incidents of poisoned dogs belonging to BMD executives.
During the latest session of the Queensland Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU, witnesses alleged that the union contracted private investigators to surveil security firms hired by BMD amid a protracted construction dispute. Grant Killen of Concentric Concepts recounted discovering a recently installed tracking device under his vehicle after feeling pursued, and he later identified a white SUV tailing him before reporting the matter to police.
He also described drones flying near his residence and a dog that became ill, which he suspects was poisoned, a claim echoed by BMD executive Mick Power whose own dog was later found poisoned. The inquiry revealed that former police detective Mick Featherstone was engaged by the CFMEU to gather intelligence on BMD executives. In a related matter, HOST Group, the other security contractor on the Centenary Bridge upgrade, faced scrutiny after its chief, Gary Samuel, was accused of bringing Comanchero gang members onto the site, where threats were allegedly made toward a CFMEU delegate. Killen said he withdrew from the project at the time of the dog poisonings to protect his family, though he continued to provide protection for BMD executives throughout 2024.
Why it matters
The allegations suggest illegal surveillance and animal poisoning in a major infrastructure dispute, raising concerns about union conduct and workplace safety.
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