The recent revelations at the Queensland Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU and building industry misconduct have shed light on a concerning situation involving a prominent Australian construction firm, BMD. The company has been implicated in a suspected plot involving Melbourne bikie enforcers, raising questions about their involvement and potential connections to organized crime.
The incident in question involves a crew of Melbourne Comanchero bikies traveling to Brisbane to threaten a CFMEU activist, Cody Raymond, who was working on the Centenary Bridge project. The activist claims that the bikies, including Bemir Saracevic, Mark Ahern, and Kristomir Bjelogrlic, threatened to burn down his house and kill his children. This alleged stand-over plot has brought BMD's security firm, Host, into the spotlight, as they were accused of recruiting the bikies to confront Raymond.
The commission heard that BMD's security firm had hired Samuel and his company Host to counter the CFMEU's aggressive tactics on the bridge project. However, Raymond suspected Samuel of leaking information to the CFMEU, leading to the confrontation. The evidence presented, including phone records and CCTV footage, suggests that BMD executives Pickard and Thomas were in frequent contact with Samuel and the bikies, raising questions about their involvement and potential knowledge of the plot.
BMD executive Robert Pickard denied any knowledge of the bikie-linked trio or their actions until the incident was reported. However, the evidence suggests otherwise, with CCTV footage showing Pickard and Thomas emerging from a car park alongside the bikies and Samuel. This proximity and coordination between BMD and the bikies are concerning and suggest a deeper involvement than initially acknowledged.
The hiring of Samuel and his company Host also raises questions about BMD's due diligence. Historical records show Samuel's business dealings with Melbourne's underworld, including his association with Mick Gatto and Mat Tomas, both of whom have ties to organized crime. Samuel's involvement with these individuals and his business ventures with Kevin McHugh, a labor hire king with ties to the CFMEU, further highlight potential connections to the underworld.
BMD's response to the inquiry and the ongoing investigation is crucial. The company's spokesperson has stated that it would be premature to comment, as additional representatives are set to appear. However, the evidence presented at the inquiry and the potential implications for BMD's reputation and operations cannot be ignored. The company must address these concerns and ensure that their security practices and business dealings are transparent and ethical.
In conclusion, the involvement of BMD in this alleged stand-over plot and their connections to organized crime are deeply concerning. The company must take responsibility for their actions and ensure that they are held accountable for any misconduct. The Queensland inquiry and the upcoming Victorian royal commission provide an opportunity to address these issues and ensure that the construction industry operates with integrity and transparency.
