Matt Dennien
@mattdennien.bsky.social
State political reporter at Brisbane Times・Qld media president of MEAA・Ex-4ZZZ・On Yuggera Ugarapul country・Secure msg: Signal (@mattdennien.15) & [email protected]・mattdennien.com
Pinned
Matt Dennien
@mattdennien.bsky.social
· Jul 16
Along w reporting on all things Qld politics & parliament, I can now say my patch is also growing to focus more on the public service
So, please, say hey, or flick your goss/tips/leaks (confidentially, of course) my way – big & small 👋
I'm at [email protected] & @mattdennien.15 on Signal
So, please, say hey, or flick your goss/tips/leaks (confidentially, of course) my way – big & small 👋
I'm at [email protected] & @mattdennien.15 on Signal
New detail via AWU boss, beyond the headline, in our week 2, day 3 wrap of Qld’s CFMEU Inquiry (likely the last til Feb)
- identity of prev unnamed CFMEU official who had a close personal relationship w a key bureaucrat
- funded plans in CFMEU to take over AWU in future vote
- identity of prev unnamed CFMEU official who had a close personal relationship w a key bureaucrat
- funded plans in CFMEU to take over AWU in future vote
Former Labor government was warned of CFMEU ‘bias’ in major project policy
During her second day of inquiry evidence, AWU boss Stacey Schinnerl also detailed a key public servant’s relationship with a CFMEU chief.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
December 4, 2025 at 10:04 AM
New detail via AWU boss, beyond the headline, in our week 2, day 3 wrap of Qld’s CFMEU Inquiry (likely the last til Feb)
- identity of prev unnamed CFMEU official who had a close personal relationship w a key bureaucrat
- funded plans in CFMEU to take over AWU in future vote
- identity of prev unnamed CFMEU official who had a close personal relationship w a key bureaucrat
- funded plans in CFMEU to take over AWU in future vote
Week 2, day 2 of Qld’s CFMEU inquiry, ft AWU secretary Stacey Schinnerl, who:
- Believes she received a death threat amid rival’s escalating campaign for civil project coverage
- Was told by a rep of major govt project contractor CPB that AWU site access was “not my problem”
- Believes she received a death threat amid rival’s escalating campaign for civil project coverage
- Was told by a rep of major govt project contractor CPB that AWU site access was “not my problem”
‘Threat on my life’: Key union leader details CFMEU pressure campaign
Queensland’s Commission of Inquiry has heard further evidence of a violent turf war for civil construction sites – and lack of help from one major contractor.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
December 3, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Week 2, day 2 of Qld’s CFMEU inquiry, ft AWU secretary Stacey Schinnerl, who:
- Believes she received a death threat amid rival’s escalating campaign for civil project coverage
- Was told by a rep of major govt project contractor CPB that AWU site access was “not my problem”
- Believes she received a death threat amid rival’s escalating campaign for civil project coverage
- Was told by a rep of major govt project contractor CPB that AWU site access was “not my problem”
via James Hall at Queensland Labor’s 2025 state conference: “party figures have essentially given the leader a deadline of the end of next year to boost Labor’s primary support.”
Miles tears up policy platform in long bid to claw back government
In a key speech to the party faithful on Saturday, the Labor leader resisted the urge to make a bold policy announcement, despite internal pressure.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
November 29, 2025 at 11:03 PM
via James Hall at Queensland Labor’s 2025 state conference: “party figures have essentially given the leader a deadline of the end of next year to boost Labor’s primary support.”
New: CFMEU officials who had been stripped of their right of entry permits were able to argue their way onto Queensland building sites for years, under an agreement between police and the state’s industrial relations office which inaccurately reflected law.
Flawed MOU let banned officials argue their way onto building sites
The agreement clashed with court rulings that restricted some CFMEU officials’ access, and listed a now-suspended bureaucrat as the main point of contact.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
November 26, 2025 at 11:39 PM
New: CFMEU officials who had been stripped of their right of entry permits were able to argue their way onto Queensland building sites for years, under an agreement between police and the state’s industrial relations office which inaccurately reflected law.
between our live blog and daily news pieces, I reckon I’d have written at least10k words on the CFMEU Inquiry’s first three days of evidence this week.
here are the most important new details (in about one-tenth of that word count)
here are the most important new details (in about one-tenth of that word count)
Six key takeaways from the CFMEU inquiry’s first week
Over three days in Brisbane, the much-anticipated probe went public with its work. Here are some of the major details brought to light.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
November 21, 2025 at 11:13 PM
between our live blog and daily news pieces, I reckon I’d have written at least10k words on the CFMEU Inquiry’s first three days of evidence this week.
here are the most important new details (in about one-tenth of that word count)
here are the most important new details (in about one-tenth of that word count)
Inquiry day 3: Mark Irving KC w new detail of “coercive control” ousted Qld leaders had over, & retained until mid-year, what he described as a kingdom consolidated by potential breaches of union rules & the law, driving his moves to expel them (w similar likely for others)
How CFMEU administrator could permanently expel union boss John Setka
The CFMEU administrator has revealed how he plans to keep disgraced figures from returning to the union – men he said had created a state-based “fiefdom”.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
November 20, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Inquiry day 3: Mark Irving KC w new detail of “coercive control” ousted Qld leaders had over, & retained until mid-year, what he described as a kingdom consolidated by potential breaches of union rules & the law, driving his moves to expel them (w similar likely for others)
“These words should shame not just those there that day who failed Lomas but every person who watches this footage.”
Kardell Lomas’s heartbreaking apology to police is a moment that should shame all Australians | Amy McQuire
The refusal to conduct an inquest reveals again what many black women know: it’s not a place for truth-telling but rather a mechanism to alibi the state and its failures
www.theguardian.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:56 PM
“These words should shame not just those there that day who failed Lomas but every person who watches this footage.”
Our write-up of today’s CFMEU Inquiry hearing incl investigator’s big picture take on Qld emulation of Vic campaign against AWU, prev unreported criticism of “lack of cooperation” from big contractors CPB and BMD, view that situation in Qld/NSW is “under control”, + much more
Violent Queensland union was copying Setka’s campaign, inquiry hears
A conscious campaign to push a rival union off civil construction sites was done to emulate the CFMEU in Victoria, an inquiry has heard.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
November 19, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Our write-up of today’s CFMEU Inquiry hearing incl investigator’s big picture take on Qld emulation of Vic campaign against AWU, prev unreported criticism of “lack of cooperation” from big contractors CPB and BMD, view that situation in Qld/NSW is “under control”, + much more
Forgot to post yesterday as my phone and laptop batteries were stretched to their limit, but here’s our write-up of the first Qld CFMEU Inquiry hearing day.
Things kick off again from 10am AEST.
Things kick off again from 10am AEST.
Man now accused of murder drove officials to Watson probe, CFMEU inquiry told
The commission of inquiry’s first day has heard new revelations about the CFMEU and that the scandal-plagued union “revelled” in its outlaw notoriety.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
November 18, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Forgot to post yesterday as my phone and laptop batteries were stretched to their limit, but here’s our write-up of the first Qld CFMEU Inquiry hearing day.
Things kick off again from 10am AEST.
Things kick off again from 10am AEST.
The senior public servant who oversaw the introduction of Australia’s first pill testing programs – and was most recently Qld’s education dept head – has described the Crisafulli government-unwinding of the state’s fledgling scheme as “absolutely staggering”.
Key public servant speaks out on ‘alarming’ health program ban
School-leavers will descend on the Gold Coast later this week. The lack of drug-checking services for them – and the state – has driven one bureaucrat to act.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
November 16, 2025 at 10:02 PM
The senior public servant who oversaw the introduction of Australia’s first pill testing programs – and was most recently Qld’s education dept head – has described the Crisafulli government-unwinding of the state’s fledgling scheme as “absolutely staggering”.
I took a deep dive into the politically charged waters in and around the Qld inquiry set to begin public hearings into the cfmeu and broader construction sector next week.
The CFMEU inquiry is about to start asking questions. Some of its own remain
Queensland’s powerful but so-far quiet inquiry into the troubled union and construction sector will go public next week. Many are watching – for many reasons.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
November 15, 2025 at 1:01 AM
I took a deep dive into the politically charged waters in and around the Qld inquiry set to begin public hearings into the cfmeu and broader construction sector next week.
A longstanding scheme allowing Queenslanders to access info used to help reconnect w family separated by the state’s historical adoption practices will be returned after the govt back-tracked on unexpected changes criticised by support services, and first reported by BT
Queensland back-tracks on cutting access to adoption information
The government admitted “deficiencies” in its approach had caused distress to families split up by forced adoptions who wanted to reconnect.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
November 12, 2025 at 2:20 AM
A longstanding scheme allowing Queenslanders to access info used to help reconnect w family separated by the state’s historical adoption practices will be returned after the govt back-tracked on unexpected changes criticised by support services, and first reported by BT
Queensland’s LNP state council has called on the Crisafulli government to abolish payroll tax by 2032, among a series of resolutions up for debate at a weekend party gathering.
Abolishing payroll tax and the other items on LNP conference wishlist
As party figures dive into two days of non-binding policy debate and internal matters on the Gold Coast, one major resolution already passed has the ear of the premier.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
November 8, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Queensland’s LNP state council has called on the Crisafulli government to abolish payroll tax by 2032, among a series of resolutions up for debate at a weekend party gathering.
The Crisafulli govt has been accused of failing to meaningfully respond to concerns from groups helping adopted Queenslanders reconnect w forcibly separated family, after a two-month silence from one minister re changes to information access was only broken after Qs from BT
Ministers ‘deflecting responsibility’ over forced adoption detail fix
Unexpected changes curbing the reconnection of families split under historical child removals frustrated support services. Two months later, so has the state’s response.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
November 8, 2025 at 5:00 AM
The Crisafulli govt has been accused of failing to meaningfully respond to concerns from groups helping adopted Queenslanders reconnect w forcibly separated family, after a two-month silence from one minister re changes to information access was only broken after Qs from BT
The Queensland LNP government has scrapped a new purpose-built clinic for children’s mental health in Yeronga, despite months ago putting aside more than $3 million for it to go ahead. Story from Felicity Caldwell
Crisafulli government dumps child mental health hub
The local MP described the move as “secretive and suss”, but the government says the project’s budget had blown out by more than four times its original price tag.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
November 6, 2025 at 2:20 AM
The Queensland LNP government has scrapped a new purpose-built clinic for children’s mental health in Yeronga, despite months ago putting aside more than $3 million for it to go ahead. Story from Felicity Caldwell
Queensland’s CFMEU inquiry will hold its first block of public hearings within a fortnight despite the sudden loss of five key staff members, with their replacements to be detailed in days.
CFMEU probe will call witnesses in weeks as internal questions linger
The Queensland inquiry will hold its first block of public hearings this month despite the sudden loss of five key staff and concerns about its operation.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
November 5, 2025 at 6:49 AM
Queensland’s CFMEU inquiry will hold its first block of public hearings within a fortnight despite the sudden loss of five key staff members, with their replacements to be detailed in days.
icymi late on Friday
New: The Queensland commission of inquiry into CFMEU corruption has suffered a major setback, through the sudden resignation of its senior counsel assisting and three junior barristers amid concerns about its operations. Story w Nick McKenzie
‘Questions need to be answered’: Four lawyers walk from CFMEU corruption inquiry
The departure of lawyers from the commission of inquiry and the reassignment of its secretary represent a major setback for the attempt to clean up the construction sector.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
November 2, 2025 at 10:26 PM
icymi late on Friday
Reposted by Matt Dennien
New: The Queensland commission of inquiry into CFMEU corruption has suffered a major setback, through the sudden resignation of its senior counsel assisting and three junior barristers amid concerns about its operations. Story w Nick McKenzie
‘Questions need to be answered’: Four lawyers walk from CFMEU corruption inquiry
The departure of lawyers from the commission of inquiry and the reassignment of its secretary represent a major setback for the attempt to clean up the construction sector.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
October 31, 2025 at 8:58 AM
New: The Queensland commission of inquiry into CFMEU corruption has suffered a major setback, through the sudden resignation of its senior counsel assisting and three junior barristers amid concerns about its operations. Story w Nick McKenzie
New: The Queensland commission of inquiry into CFMEU corruption has suffered a major setback, through the sudden resignation of its senior counsel assisting and three junior barristers amid concerns about its operations. Story w Nick McKenzie
‘Questions need to be answered’: Four lawyers walk from CFMEU corruption inquiry
The departure of lawyers from the commission of inquiry and the reassignment of its secretary represent a major setback for the attempt to clean up the construction sector.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
October 31, 2025 at 8:58 AM
New: The Queensland commission of inquiry into CFMEU corruption has suffered a major setback, through the sudden resignation of its senior counsel assisting and three junior barristers amid concerns about its operations. Story w Nick McKenzie
Queensland Finance Minister Ros Bates has handed a recent state port board appointee with links to her governing Liberal National Party a lucrative new position after his property conflicts became too difficult to manage.
Minister shifts board pick into plum new role after conflict concerns
Finance Minister Ros Bates says issues around a previous port board appointee’s interest in adjacent land means he will now chair a state-owned energy company.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
October 30, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Queensland Finance Minister Ros Bates has handed a recent state port board appointee with links to her governing Liberal National Party a lucrative new position after his property conflicts became too difficult to manage.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli this morning on that election vow for a yearly ambulance ramping target
More in the blog: www.brisbanetimes.co...
More in the blog: www.brisbanetimes.co...
October 30, 2025 at 1:06 AM
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli this morning on that election vow for a yearly ambulance ramping target
More in the blog: www.brisbanetimes.co...
More in the blog: www.brisbanetimes.co...
Reposted by Matt Dennien
Updated tonight with confirmation from LGBTI Legal Service of new action in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal on discrimination and human rights grounds.
The Queensland government could yet face another courtroom push against its pause on gender-affirming care for children, with the legal service behind this week’s successful ruling considering options to fight Health Minister Tim Nicholls’ new directive. Story w Courtney Kruk
‘Exploring options’: Nicholls could face fresh court challenge over gender care ban
The Crisafulli government has defended its decision to reinstate the controversial ban within hours of a court ruling an earlier version was unlawful.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
October 29, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Updated tonight with confirmation from LGBTI Legal Service of new action in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal on discrimination and human rights grounds.
Updated tonight with confirmation from LGBTI Legal Service of new action in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal on discrimination and human rights grounds.
The Queensland government could yet face another courtroom push against its pause on gender-affirming care for children, with the legal service behind this week’s successful ruling considering options to fight Health Minister Tim Nicholls’ new directive. Story w Courtney Kruk
‘Exploring options’: Nicholls could face fresh court challenge over gender care ban
The Crisafulli government has defended its decision to reinstate the controversial ban within hours of a court ruling an earlier version was unlawful.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
October 29, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Updated tonight with confirmation from LGBTI Legal Service of new action in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal on discrimination and human rights grounds.
The Queensland government could yet face another courtroom push against its pause on gender-affirming care for children, with the legal service behind this week’s successful ruling considering options to fight Health Minister Tim Nicholls’ new directive. Story w Courtney Kruk
‘Exploring options’: Nicholls could face fresh court challenge over gender care ban
The Crisafulli government has defended its decision to reinstate the controversial ban within hours of a court ruling an earlier version was unlawful.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
October 29, 2025 at 3:11 AM
The Queensland government could yet face another courtroom push against its pause on gender-affirming care for children, with the legal service behind this week’s successful ruling considering options to fight Health Minister Tim Nicholls’ new directive. Story w Courtney Kruk
Queensland is still yet to complete a whole-of-government update to its appointment process for major board roles more than three years after a critical auditor-general report.
Queensland vowed to update board job processes in 2022. It still hasn’t
A critical Palaszczuk-era audit office report found outdated guidelines and practices for appointments and reappointments, but the key call is still in progress.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
October 28, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Queensland is still yet to complete a whole-of-government update to its appointment process for major board roles more than three years after a critical auditor-general report.