CFMEU Qld-NT: Mark Irving puts stop to intimidatory tactics

The CFMEU’s administrator has declared an end to intimidatory tactics as he vows to hold those responsible for violence to account.

Mark Irving KC has been appointed administrator of the CFMEU.

Misogynistic and abusive CFMEU members will be permanently banned, with the administration vowing to expel those working under the shadow control of ousted leaders Michael Ravbar and Jade Ingham.

It follows an explosive review into violence in the construction industry by anti-corruption expert Geoffrey Watson SC that confirmed the Queensland CFMEU branch encouraged a culture of violence and celebrated lawlessness.

Administrator Mark Irving KC has issued a list of reforms which includes referring Mr Ravbar and Mr Ingham to the administration’s head of legal and integrity for disciplinary action.

“I will not permit violence to continue to be used as an industrial tactic by the branch,” he said.

“I will hold accountable those who engaged in horrible acts in the name of the union to help rid the union of a culture of violence.

“Those who receive directions from the old leadership will be dismissed, as will those who meet with or communicate with them or their intermediaries.

“Expelled members can be prevented from re-joining the Union, and so will be unable to stand in future elections.”

The Watson Review found the union held total disregard for court penalties, instead operating with an expectation it would be fined over violent incidents and workplace breaches on construction sites.

“It seems more likely that breaching the laws and suffering fines was an integral part of the CFMEU business model,” Mr Watson wrote.

The union is also suspected of protecting officials and members from personal payment court orders.

“The CFMEU may have received legal advice that third-party payments would be acceptable if made by the State registered union,” the report states.

“The step of consciously evading court orders is serious, and a further demonstration of the utter disregard the CFMEU has for the rule of law. It also explains why officials were repeatedly breaching the law.”

The Fair Work Ombudsman will be engaged to determine whether the union unlawfully defeated payments on behalf of members.

Between 2003 and 2024, the CFMEU was involved in 2600 convictions attracting a total $28m in fines.

This was 55 times more convictions than the next most punished union.

In the absence of financial deterrent, Mr Irving has vowed to use his power to expel members to change the unions culture at every level.

Victims of violence and abuse under the Ravbar-Ingham regime will be offered a formal apology.

Mr Watson made seven recommendations including termination or expulsions of members who breach industrial law and the immediate dismissal of several current CFMEU officials and delegates for serious misconduct.

It also recommended the union’s “Youth Crew” sub branch for members aged 35 and under – referred as the “hit squad” – be suspended.

A CFMEU protest at Bowen Hills in Brisbane

A social media policy will be established to control the publishing of abusive content and online harassment.

And a team will be developed to stamp out misogyny and address gender issues, with members found abusing or sexually harassing women to be terminated immediately.

Approximately 21 CFMEU officials were sacked from the Queensland branch in November, following the appointment of the national administration.

Remaining employees will be required to sign on to new contracts with new behaviour standards and a probationary period of six months.

Those who do not sign a contract will be fired.

Hundreds of CFMEU delegates, who are not directly employed but operate on behalf of the union at worksites, will also be forced to sign a new code of conduct and undertake training.

“Those within the union who do not commit to and co-operate in achieving the required changes will be removed from positions of power,” Mr Irving said.

“I will initiate disciplinary actions, which will include the dismissal of a number of employees and delegates of the union.

“Some have already been removed, others will be removed in a timely manner.”

A transparent set of lawful criteria is being developed to eliminate blacklists and “favours for mates” during enterprise bargaining.

In line with the CFMEU national restructure, $5.4m will be spent over five years to address the behaviour of men towards women in the construction industry.

“This will involve the creation of a committee comprised of women whose views will guide efforts to combat gender-based violence and mistreatment within the union,” Mr Irving said.