The man who handed down a shocking CFMEU report will take centre stage at a powerful inquiry triggered by his damning probe.

Barrister and integrity campaigner Geoffrey Watson will give evidence on Tuesday at the landmark CFMEU inquiry in Brisbane, four months after releasing his explosive report.

The Queensland government called the inquiry in July after the stunning report levelled allegations of thuggery at the state’s CFMEU branch.

Geoffrey Watson’s report claims Queensland’s CFMEU is willing to crush anyone who opposes its aims. Photo: AAP

The string of disturbing incidents alleged in the report included a worker being chased with an angle grinder, safety inspectors being called “f—ing dogs”, and women and children being intimidated.

Watson, a former counsel assisting for NSW’s Independent Commission Against Corruption, noted his probe might have only scratched the surface of the CFMEU’s “relentless” pursuit of political, industrial and financial power.

The report claimed Queensland’s CFMEU was willing to crush anyone who opposed its aims, with an “obstinate refusal” from some witnesses to provide evidence.

The inquiry has been probing broader misconduct in the construction industry as well as within the CFMEU’s state branch since public hearings officially launched in October.

Watson will be the focus when it resumes on Tuesday, with CFMEU administrator Mark Irving KC set to appear on Thursday.

The CFMEU was put into administration nationwide in 2024 amid claims bikies and organised crime figures had infiltrated the organisation.

Industrial relations lawyer Stuart Wood is helming the 12-month commission of inquiry. Photo: AAP

The embattled union’s leadership was removed and placed under the control of administrator Irving KC.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli had described the inquiry as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to restore safety and productivity on the state’s work sites ahead of the 2032 Olympics.

“This is about the CFMEU, about a seedy, rotten, broken culture of bullying, of intimidation, of misogyny, of deliberately driving down productivity, and we have to change that,” he said.

The 12-month commission of inquiry is being led by experienced industrial relations lawyer Stuart Wood KC.

He will have the power to compel witnesses to give evidence and documents to be tabled to the inquiry, as well as protect victims and whistleblowers.

-AAP