This Month
CFMEU bribery case breakthrough: leaders flag possible guilty pleas
The lawyer for Darren and Michael Greenfield told a court there had been a “resolution” to the long-running case alleging they took bribes from a construction company.
Union watchdog investigating CFMEU NSW and SA leadership
The Fair Work Commission has launched investigations into allegations of credit card misuse, unapproved salary increases and the transfer of $4 million in members’ money.
Deposed CFMEU official rallies union to vote for Dutton
The Coalition’s promise to deregister the union’s construction division isn’t enough to stop this CFMEU powerbroker preferencing Labor last.
A Trump-proof Australia needs productive industrial relations
The lack of a real election contest over greater workplace flexibility will condemn Australia to lower productivity and leave the nation less protected.
March
Judge slams CFMEU administrator for resisting coercion probe
A CFMEU official allegedly threatened one owner on the Monash Freeway project that he would take his soul and rip his head off.
Mining’s promising future could come under union siege
At the heart of any Labor government lies the obligation to serve the interests of their parent company, the union movement, before the national interest.
Financial Review wins Gold Quill award
The Australian Financial Review’s David Marin-Guzman took out Victoria’s top journalism prize for his work on the Building Bad investigation.
Inside the rollercoaster week in Victorian politics
Crime, the CFMEU, cost blowout fears on the Suburban Rail Loop and a new stoush with the top cop. These stories show why Premier Jacinta Allan may think a week is a long time in Victorian politics.
Why bikies are laughing louder at Setka than Packer did over Bond
The criminal enterprises in Australia that connect the underworld, the CFMEU and casinos echo the world of James Bond, but the good guys don’t always triumph.
CFMEU is still Building Bad nine months later
New reports of criminal activity underline how inadequate the measures taken have been to stamp out illegal CFMEU-linked behaviour.
Dan Andrews’ fixer is in the weeds of the CFMEU administration
Self-styled “solutionist” Steve Palmer has a habit of popping up wherever there’s a risk of scandal for Labor and its comrades.
CFMEU asks court for more powers despite crackdown
The CFMEU has challenged new limits to its delegates powers, including making them subject to “reasonable employer policies” and a prohibition on obstructing work.
Class action flagged over CFMEU and Setka ‘blacklist’
A law firm is preparing a class action against the CFMEU and former leader John Setka for allegedly banning its own members from the industry.
Victoria police reject Allan’s claim about CFMEU crackdown advice
Jacinta Allan said it was the acting police commissioner’s fault that she said a nine-month-old operation against thuggery in the construction industry was new.
Dutton attributes poll slump to Labor mud-slinging
Peter Dutton says Labor has targeted him with a $2 million campaign while also accusing the Victorian government of a “wet lettuce” response to CFMEU revelations. How the day unfolded.
Dutton backs US-style racketeering laws to tackle CFMEU
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton brands Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan’s response to reports of CFMEU and bikie misconduct on government projects as “a wet lettuce”.
AFP raids Melbourne properties in CFMEU investigation
Police have executed two search warrants in Melbourne as part of its investigation into criminality in the construction industry.
Gatto-linked firm leaves $14m tax bill
A labour hire firm backed by builders and the CFMEU on major Victorian government jobs, despite having no licence, has defaulted on millions of dollars in taxes.
CFMEU to campaign against Dutton despite Labor administration
Despite being under administration, a senior CFMEU officer has told members the union will campaign against Peter Dutton’s threat to deregister the union if elected.
February
CFMEU crackdown stymied by court challenge, as gangs evolve: report
A report on the CFMEU administration says ousted officials’ High Court challenge has deterred whistleblowers and halted plans to clean out the union.