The police are assessing charges against an ex-CFMEU official for allegedly taking kickbacks and have charged another senior union organiser with making threats to kill an Indigenous sub-contractor. There is concern about the deep infiltration of organised crime in the construction sector that the state police need to address. The CFMEU’s former leadership, along with other large unions and the Greens, have challenged Irving’s appointment, leading to protests and a High Court challenge. Robbie Cecala, a veteran CFMEU member, supports Irving’s administration, believing it can bring about much-needed change in the union culture.
Cecala has expressed concerns about corruption within the CFMEU, where certain union bosses have promoted bikies and dodgy labour hire companies over regular union members. He believes that some union officials have compromised safety issues to protect companies favored by select union bosses. Cecala criticized John Setka and his allies for becoming too powerful and self-serving. He has conditionally supported Irving’s administration, urging it to focus on preserving workers’ conditions and rooting out corrupt companies as vigorously as dishonest union officials.
Irving has emphasized his union credentials and commitment to reform and investigative powers that extend to building companies as well. He has established an integrity and whistleblower unit to investigate corruption within and outside the union ranks. Irving emphasized that corruption within the CFMEU leadership and employers needs to be stamped out, while ensuring that hard-fought-for conditions are not eroded. He vowed to pursue any union official who has taken kickbacks and hold the company figures accountable as well.
Irving stated that his administration of the CFMEU would be successful when it returns the union to the democratic control of honest members and officials. He aims to move away from blacklisting those who speak up to holding them accountable for engaging in or turning a blind eye to corruption. Success will also involve hardening the industry against organized crime and biker groups. Irving acknowledges that the process of reform will be challenging and lengthy, but believes it is essential for the long-term health of the union and the industry.
Irving criticized the idea of royal commissions or inquiries that attack the union without offering solutions for rebuilding it. He stressed the importance of helping to rebuild the union in a stronger and better way rather than just poking holes in it. Irving believes that success in reforming the CFMEU will be measured in the long-term, over the span of 10 or 15 years, rather than at the end of any period of administration. He is committed to restoring the union to democratic control, holding corrupt officials and industry figures accountable, and ensuring the industry is protected against corruption and organized crime.
