CFMEU delegate Denis McNamara allegedly roughed up an AFR Weekend photographer on the street outside a meeting where members voted to walk off construction sites next week in an action meant to challenge the union’s takeover by an administrator.

The photographer arrived at the Maritime Union office at Sydney’s Sussex Street about 6.30am on Friday and made their identity known as a representative of the media to the growing collection of delegates. Within 15 minutes Mr McNamara, wearing a black hoodie emblazoned with the CFMEU logo, grabbed the photographer.