Things have kicked off in the half-filled courtroom 17 of the Brisbane Magistrates Court: with a request by counsel acting for ousted state CFMEU leadership to delay the first week of the hearings.
Ruth O’Gorman KC, acting for former Queensland CFMEU officials Michael Ravbar and Kane Lowth, has sought an application from the inquiry’s commissioner, Stuart Wood AM KC, to adjourn this three-day hearing block until a later date.
Ruth O’Gorman KC and her clients Kane Lowth and Michael Ravbar.
O’Gorman has made the case that despite being in action since August, her clients had not been provided with any material from the inquiry – despite multiple requests – particularly regarding the report and work of union administration-appointed investigator Geoffrey Watson SC, who was to be called as the first witness.
“To the extent that Mr Ravbar is committed to the opportunity to defend himself by being given leave to appear in this commission, the question might be asked whether it’s fair that he be required to do so, essentially, with one hand tied behind his back,” O’Gorman said.
“If this commission is to be conducted fairly, openly and transparently, as indeed it must, Mr Ravbar requires those materials before Mr Watson is called as a witness, so that he can properly prepare for and participate in the hearing.”
Colin Mandy, acting for fellow former CFMEU official Jade Ingham, has also joined the application.
