It’s being alleged that one of Australia’s largest and most influential unions has been parachuting underworld criminals and bikie bosses into lucrative roles within the union.
Sharnelle Vella, Channel 7’s State Political Reporter in Victoria, told The Briefing there has been a “murky side” to the union for some time.
Dodgy contracts, bikie infiltration, compromised characters and Labor government headaches – what’s going on at the CFMEU? Find out on The Briefing:
“The CFU holds a lot of power, they control work sites to some extent they can, you know, press the go slow button on things, if they don’t get what they want out of governments,” Vella said.
An investigation by 60 Minutes and Nine Newspapers exposed the allegations. The CFMEU national office has since placed the Victorian branch into administration, promising an investigation.
Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan has written to the police and also the anti-corruption commission to investigate any criminal links.
Allan said this week, “It’s thuggish, unacceptable behaviour at its worst that I have zero tolerance for”.
Sharnelle Vella believes the CFMEU’s investigation should be followed by an independent inquiry or a royal commission.
Subscribe to The Briefing, Australia’s fastest-growing news podcast on LiSTNR today. The Briefing serves up the latest news and deep dives on topics affecting you, all in under 20 minutes.