‘Never let gov take over again’: Sacked union heavyweights reveal next move

A new company was formed by sacked CFMEU heavyweights as the militant union was plunged into administration, with the state secretary to launch a High Court challenge.

Queensland CFMEU heavyweights led by state secretary Michael Ravbar formed a new company on the day the militant building union was plunged into administration.

As unionists and supporters rallied en masse across the country to vent their fury, including in Brisbane and Cairns, The Courier-Mail can reveal Mr Ravbar and chief lieutenants Jade Ingham and Kane Lowth have established an entity called Your Union Your Choice Ltd.

All three are listed as directors, with Mr Ravbar the secretary, according to Australian Securities and Investments Commission records.

CFMEU workers pictured marching through the streets of Brisbane.

The limited liability public company was registered on Friday when the Albanese government put the CFMEU into administration. More than 270 union officials were sacked, including Mr Ravbar, Mr Ingham and Mr Lowthr among 21 in Queensland.

The company’s address is listed the office of Hall Payne Lawyers in Peel St, Brisbane.

Company records reveal Mr Ravbar, Mr Ingham and Mr Lowth each paid $10 in guarantees to form the unlisted public company which looks set to help spearhead a High Court challenge.

Companies limited by guarantee are typically used by not-for-profits, charities and sports clubs.

The structure means former CFMEU officials would only lose their $10 guarantees if Your Union Your Choice Ltd was wound up.

Speaking at the Brisbane rally, Mr Ravbar said he was launching a high court challenge against the federal government’s move.

“What we are going to do, we are launching a campaign here today called “your union, your choice,” he told unionists.

CFMEU marching through the streets of Brisbane.

“What that campaign will do is, we will launch a High Court Challenge as a matter of urgency and I’ll be the applicant.

“Also, we will be having a fundraising platform campaign and that will be launched tomorrow.

“We’ve got to get control of our union back, we will never let the government take over again.”