Law enforcement sources across the nation have acknowledged that there has been reluctance to allocate resources to investigating allegations of corruption within the construction union, CFMEU. This is due to previous investigations into union corruption yielding mixed results. Additionally, legal restrictions prevent police from sharing information with non-law enforcement entities, such as the administration led by Irving, who is eager to pursue allegations of bribery and improper behavior within the CFMEU.
Irving has expressed his intention to investigate claims that corrupt practices within the CFMEU have contributed to the rise of labor-hire firms, some of which are connected to underworld figures and have been implicated in mistreating or underpaying union members. This challenges the narratives put forth by former union leaders John Setka and Darren Greenfield, who have accused Irving’s administration of undermining wages and working conditions. Irving has vehemently denied these allegations and is determined to uncover any illegal payments made by labor-hire agencies to union officials.
Following their dismissals from the CFMEU, senior officials have reportedly secured employment with labor-hire firms that they were previously accused of favoring during their time as union officials. Irving plans to investigate these relationships further, along with the transfer of union members’ funds to lawyers hired to defend former union bosses Darren and Michael Greenfield against bribery charges. The Greenfields deny any wrongdoing, but Irving is committed to getting to the bottom of these allegations in New South Wales and Queensland.
In New South Wales, Irving is particularly interested in examining the role that Darren and Michael Greenfield, as well as former CFMEU president Rita Mallia, played in the transfer of over $3 million in union funds to a legal fund. This move occurred after corruption and organized crime infiltration within the union were exposed by media outlets. In Queensland, Irving is looking into another questionable transfer of members’ funds to a fighting fund aimed at challenging the current administration put in place by the Albanese government.
Irving’s investigations will delve into allegations of violence, coercion, and kickbacks on construction sites in Queensland, as well as potential ties between CFMEU officials and outlaw motorcycle gangs and organized crime networks in industrial relations matters. In Victoria, Irving has instructed his team to probe claims of secret kickbacks received by former CFMEU assistant secretary Derek Christopher from major building companies. The taskforce will also look into bribes allegedly offered by industry fixers to union officials in exchange for CFMEU backing and access to government projects.
The intricate relationships between CFMEU members accused of corruption or misconduct and building companies affiliated with the underworld pose a significant challenge for Irving’s taskforce. They will also explore the potential misuse of charity causes by the CFMEU, including connections to underworld figure Mick Gatto in Victoria. Through compulsory questioning powers and thorough investigations, Irving aims to uncover any instances of corruption, bribery, or criminal activity within the construction industry and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
