International criminologists told a Queensland inquiry that the CFMEU allegedly used organised crime-style methods, including fear and coercion, to control the construction market and exclude competitors. Experts cited allegations of violence, intimidation, and illegitimate use of agreements, suggesting a pattern of 'criminal governance'.
An inquiry into the CFMEU's Queensland branch is investigating allegations of financial misconduct, including "shadow financial operations" and the improper use of donations to pay fines. Counsel assisting the inquiry claims the union used enterprise bargaining agreements to generate millions in revenue and control the construction industry.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has refused to provide a figure for the cost of CFMEU corruption to taxpayers, despite an investigation suggesting it could be $15 billion. The scandal and leadership speculation come as a state election approaches.
A Queensland inquiry heard allegations of political interference in investigations into the CFMEU. Former officials claimed the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) stalled probes due to government pressure, and ministers allegedly intervened in regulatory actions against contractors.
Former CFMEU boss John Setka appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on charges of using a carriage service to menace or offend. Fresh court documents reveal allegations of expletive-ridden text messages and emails sent to union administrators, including offensive remarks about Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The Australian federal government has spent millions on personal security for administrators of the CFMEU union, including $3.8m for Mark Irving and $5.3m for Michael Crosby. Minister Murray Watt also required security after placing the union into administration due to alleged criminal syndicate involvement.
Michael Crosby has been appointed as the new administrator of the CFMEU, replacing Mark Irving. The union, placed into administration in 2024 due to organized crime infiltration, is entering a new phase focused on implementing lawful and ethical operational systems.
The inquiry heard the CFMEU was making social media posts attacking the credibility of WHSQ employees.
Queensland's inquiry into the CFMEU has revealed Cross River Rail was plagued by years of interference. Here are the key takeaways from this week's hearings.
Queensland's inquiry into the CFMEU has revealed Cross River Rail was plagued by years of interference. Here are the key takeaways from this week's hearings.
The commission of inquiry into the CFMEU in Queensland hears that contractors were pressured to hire delegates as safety representatives at a Cross River Rail site.
The Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU is in its eighth round of hearings and CPB Contractors general manager Vince Sanfilippo is in his second day giving evidence.
Grace Grace has come under fire during the inquiry, with claims last week she threatened contractors on a major project that she would tear up a contract if they did not work with the union.
Queensland's Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU is this week hearing from contractors on the Cross River Rail project, with revelations former industrial relations minister Grace Grace has retained legal counsel.
Mark Irving KC says the next "rebuild phase" of the union requires someone with "a different set of skills".
The commission of inquiry into the CFMEU has this week heard the union had a complex relationship with the former Labor government.
The commission of inquiry into the CFMEU has this week heard the union had a complex relationship with the former Labor government.
The inquiry has been investigating alleged misconduct and violence within the Queensland branch of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU).
The Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU is told Grace Grace "made it clear" she expected the developers to cooperate with the union, or she would consider terminating their contract.
An inquiry into the CFMEU in Queensland has heard the union pressured Toombul shopping centre demolition contractors to hire former kickboxers.
