NSW Premier Chris Minns has called to suspend Labor’s state affiliation with the CMFEU following allegations of corruption. Image source: Leonard J Matthews, via Flickr.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has moved to suspend state affiliation with the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU).
The effort to distance NSW Labor from the CFMEU follows allegations of corruption against the union’s leadership and criminal infiltration in the union’s Victorian branch.
On Wednesday 17 July, Nine Newspapers published a report alleging that NSW union secretary Darren Greenfield was recorded on a hidden police camera receiving a $5000 cash bribe.
Minns released a joint statement with NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey in response to the allegations.
“There is absolutely no tolerance for criminal or corrupt behaviour in the building industry, in unions or anywhere for that matter,” the statement said.
“Given the serious nature of the allegations, we have written to the NSW Labor Party General Secretary and asked they take the necessary steps to immediately suspend the CFMEU Construction and General Division’s affiliation from the Labor Party and stop any donations or affiliation fees.”
Mookhey said the government was “not in a position” to repay donations or affiliation fees the union had made.
The CFMEU is one of the largest unions in Australia, representing over 115,000 workers connected to the construction, manufacturing, shipping, timber, textile, clothing, and footwear industries.
On Friday, John Setka resigned as the union’s Victorian-Tasmanian secretary after 12 years in the position.
Setka cited the “ongoing false allegations” and “malicious attacks” made against him, the CFMEU, union members and officials as the reason for his resignation.
CFMEU National Secretary Zach Smith said in a statement the Victorian branch “will be placed in administration and the National Office assume all senior executive powers”.
“This decision has not been taken lightly. We will establish an independent process to investigate any credible allegations of wrongdoing,” he said.
“While we address these allegations, it is essential to recognise that smearing officials and delegates based on their histories or personal relationships is completely unwarranted.
“We will never tear down an official who is doing a good job for construction workers simply because they are seen as unsavoury by people who have never set foot on a site.”
Greenfield is currently facing charges over the alleged bribery and is defending the case before the courts.
