CFMEU challenges administrator as Setka, Edwards fight for union control
A growing push within the construction union to bring back disgraced figures John Setka and Ralph Edwards has been exposed, even as the pair face mounting scrutiny over a $1 million slush fund.
An inside leak has revealed a CFMEU push to support exiled leaders John Setka and Ralph Edwards, despite the pair controlling a $1 million union slush fund.
Members at a branch meeting this week voted for the major challenge to the authority of the Albanese government appointed administrator Mark Irving, KC.
It can also be revealed Victorian organisers were being sent to Adelaide to fight against the South Australian Government, which barred the CFMEU from major projects.
Those at the meeting were also told members to “stop leaking” to the media
However, a union member said: “People wouldn’t be leaking if they weren’t so disillusioned with the way the union is being run.”
The meeting, chaired by Lisa Zanatta and attended by organiser Steve Long, passed a motion for Mr Setka, the former Victorian secretary, and Mr Edwards, to be allowed to use the union’s Elizabeth Street headquarters, which also includes a $27 million wellness facility and gym.
A spokesman for Mr Irving confirmed on Thursday that the motion was “moved and seconded by two retired members”.
Mr Irving had issued a please explain to Mr Edwards and Mr Setka over the Building Industry 2000 Plus slush fund, which has more than $1 million of members’ money in its accounts.
Mr Irving has demanded to know what has happened to the money after Mr Edwards transferred the “principal place of business” for the company to his home address in April, according to ASIC documents.
The company’s registered office address was switched to a Bourke Street accountant in May.
The meeting was told that the Building 2000 Plus fund, which had been described as an election campaign cash cow, was set up as a fighting fund against the Abbott, Turnbull and Morrison Governments.
The branch meeting also heard how the union was supporting a commemoration on Sunday, November 2, for the fatal shooting of Allan Whittaker, a Gallipoli veteran and waterside worker.
The 1928 attack on waterside workers by the “Stanley Melbourne Bruce Government”, when police fired into striking workers killing Mr Whittaker, was compared to the “recent attack on the CFMEU.”
The union has been in disarray after senior organiser John Perkovic was sacked last week for “accepting bribes”, according to a statement released by Mr Irving.
Mr Perkovic had been promoted to second in charge of the Victorian union by Mr Irving in July.
Mr Setka’s replacement Zach Smith has also apologised after he had organised a meeting between a union organiser and underworld figure and building industry mediator Mick Gatto.
The CFMEU across the country has more than $300 million in assets, with a battle playing out for control of the union.
Mr Irving has been appointed for three years, however, that can be extended to a five-year term if he is not satisfied the union has been cleaned up.
The CFMEU was placed into administration last year following claims the industry had been infiltrated by organised crime.
Mr Edwards did not respond to requests for comment, while Mr Setka declined to comment.
