CFMEU NSW branch assistant secretary Michael Greenfield quits amid bribery allegations

A powerful figure in the NSW Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union has resigned effective immediately as he and his father face bribery allegations.

One of the most powerful figures in the CFMEU NSW branch has quit following bribery allegations.

CFMEU NSW assistant secretary Michael Greenfield announced on Monday evening he would resign from his position, effective immediately.

The son of CFMEU NSW secretary, Mr Greenfield cited “extreme pressure” placed upon his family as the reason behind his resignation.

Mr Greenfield resigned on Monday evening. Picture: Glenn Campbell/ NewsWire

Mr Greenfield and his father, Darren Greenfield, are facing charges of receiving bribes from an employer after a police camera allegedly caught Darren Greenfield being passed a $5000 bundle of cash from a building company owner in return for union backing.

“I have always maintained my innocence in relation to bribery charges brought against me three years ago in 2021,” Mr Greenfield said in a statement.

“Attempts to inflate and agitate matters that have been public knowledge since 2021, and frequently the subject of media scrutiny, are insincere and undermine my right to presumed innocence.”

“The extreme pressure that my family has been placed under due to the extreme government and media bias has left me no choice but to step down to protect my family.”

The federal government is moving to force the construction and general arms of CFMEU branches in NSW, Victoria and Queensland into administration over wide-ranging allegations of corruption on bullying.

Originally published as CFMEU NSW branch assistant secretary Michael Greenfield quits amid bribery allegations