CFMEU - No surprises!

The recent revelations on 60 Minutes and in the Herald Sun about the CFMEU (Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union) have brought to light the entrenched organised crime within one of Australia’s most influential unions. These disclosures are not just shocking but are a damning indictment of a systemic failure by authorities to investigate and a political establishment that turned a blind eye for years.

The 60 Minutes program, coupled with the extensive coverage by the Herald Sun, has exposed the CFMEU's deep involvement in organised crime. The investigation uncovered multiple instances of extortion, bribery, and collusion with construction companies. Senior union officials like John Setka, Secretary of the Victorian-Tasmanian branch, were caught negotiating deals that filled their pockets while betraying the workers they were supposed to represent and compromising public safety and trust. Setka’s departure only leaves room for the next corrupt figure to step in, such as Christopher Christopher, who is already under scrutiny.

For over a decade, the corrupt activities of the CFMEU have been an open secret. Despite ample evidence and numerous whistleblowers, the regulatory bodies have failed to take meaningful action against the union's top brass. This lack of action is not merely incompetence; it suggests a deliberate avoidance of confronting a powerful entity. The regulatory inertia has allowed these criminals to operate with impunity, eroding public confidence in the very institutions meant to protect workers' rights and uphold the law.

The Labour Party's relationship with the CFMEU is a disgrace. As these crimes were being committed, Labour Party leaders were well aware of the union's illegal activities but chose to stay silent. The CFMEU is a significant financial supporter of the Labour Party, and this dependency appears to have bought their silence and inaction. It's a betrayal of the public trust and a stark reminder of how political expediency often trumps moral responsibility.

Adding insult to injury is the Labour Party’s flagship infrastructure initiative, the "Big Build". This massive construction agenda, intended to boost economic growth and improve public infrastructure, has been tainted by the Labour Party’s cosy relationship with the CFMEU. While billions are being poured into projects under the Big Build, the same union involved in these projects is steeped in corruption. The Labour Party’s failure to distance itself from the CFMEU, despite clear evidence of wrongdoing, casts a shadow over the integrity and efficacy of the Big Build.

Under the former Andrews government, there was notable silence on the CFMEU's corruption, despite mounting evidence and public outcry. Andrews' administration maintained close ties with the CFMEU, and his reluctance to address the issue head-on suggests a troubling tolerance for corruption within his government. I suspect Andrews also had financial incentives. The former Premier's inaction only further erodes public trust and raises serious questions about the Labour Party's commitment to ethical governance.

The financial implications of the CFMEU's corrupt practices are staggering. It has been reported that taxpayers have borne the brunt of inflated costs for public infrastructure projects due to the union's stranglehold on the industry. The additional costs to ratepayers and taxpayers from the CFMEU's activities are estimated to run into the billions, impacting budgets for essential services like hospitals and schools​.

The connections between the CFMEU and notorious biker gangs and organised crime figures add another layer of depravity to this already disturbing situation. Reports have consistently linked CFMEU officials with criminal organisations known for violence and illegal activities. These alliances not only strengthen the union’s grip on the construction industry but also perpetuate a culture of fear and intimidation that stifles any attempts at transparency or reform.

This situation is infuriating. For those of us who don’t even work in construction, the knowledge of CFMEU's corruption has been apparent for years. The general public has been screaming into the void while authorities and politicians turned a blind eye. If you don't pull the weeds, of course, the garden will be destroyed. It's time for an independent inquiry to dismantle this corrupt network and hold those responsible accountable.

Authorities need to stop cowering and start prosecuting these criminals. Politicians, especially from the Labour Party, must sever ties with corrupt entities like the CFMEU and commit to real transparency and accountability. The CFMEU's involvement in organised crime, as revealed by 60 Minutes and the Herald Sun, is a stark example of how deep-seated corruption can thrive when those in power choose to ignore it. It’s a systemic failure that demands immediate and robust action. It’s high time we see prosecutions, not just promises, and an end to the political cowardice that has allowed this rot to persist for far too long. The Labour Party’s inaction, especially in the context of the Big Build, is not just a failure of governance but a betrayal of public trust. The time for excuses is over; it’s time for accountability and justice.