Peter Dutton says ministers in Queensland are “scared” of the construction union after members stormed a government building on Tuesday morning. 

Transport Minister Mark Bailey was reportedly scheduled to speak with union stakeholders around the time of the incident, which forced the building into lockdown.

When questioned if he did not attend because he was informed the protest was to occur, Mr Bailey denied having any prior knowledge.

Federal Liberal leader Peter Dutton told Ray Hadley the CFMEU acts as a “modern day mafia”, with a heavy influence on policy and “weak ministers like Mark Bailey”.

“The Labor Party is completely beholden to them and it’s rolling out at a federal level.

“We’re going to see a lot more strike activity and strange policy outcomes because of the union movement influence within the Labor Party.”

Press PLAY below to hear Peter Dutton’s full reaction to the protest 

Mr Bailey this morning clarified he was required to be at a Cabinet Budget Review meeting at the time of he was reportedly scheduled to speak with CFMEU stakeholders.

“Once I was aware of that, mid-morning on Monday, I had a shoot of a video of me to be presented there,” he said. “I couldn’t be in two places at once.”

He said a planned protest was not raised in talks with CFMEU Queensland head Michael Ravbar the day prior.

“We did not discuss any planned protests by then. [Mr Ravbar] gave no indication at all about what he had planned [for] the next day.

“I find that really two-faced behaviour and it’s unacceptable.”

But Ray has his doubts on whether the Minister was genuinely unaware.

Press PLAY below to hear Ray discuss the Minister’s response