Queensland Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) bosses revelled in being outlaws who were "feared by everybody," a prominent barrister has told a commission of inquiry.

The inquiry, led by Stuart Wood AM KC, is examining the alleged involvement of organised crime in the union and the impact of misconduct on construction in Queensland.

The probe was sparked by a scathing report which laid bare allegations of a culture of intimidation, violence, bullying and misogyny within the union's Queensland division.

The report's author, Geoffrey Watson SC, is the first witness to appear before the inquiry for its first block of hearings in the Brisbane Magistrates Court.

In his report, Mr Watson alleged the union used violence to "support a pursuit of political, industrial a

See Full Page