Grace Grace’s former senior official called to testify at CFMEU inquiry

A senior public servant who served under former Queensland minister Grace Grace has been called to give evidence at an inquiry into the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU), according to the report. The inquiry is examining allegations that the union had a direct “hotline” to government. The official’s appearance is expected to bring questions about how communication between the union and the state government operated during Grace’s time as minister. The report identifies Grace as the former minister whose senior public servant has been summoned, but provides no further detail about the official’s identity or what evidence they are expected to give. It also does not set out whether the alleged direct channel has been established; the claim remains an allegation being examined by the inquiry. Grace herself is not described as having been called to testify. The focus of the reported development is the appearance of her former senior official, whose evidence may address the inquiry’s questions about the union’s access to government. The story was presented as a live update, with proceedings ongoing. No conclusion about the alleged hotline or any finding against the union or government is included in the available report.