CFMEU NSW assistant secretary quits due to media, government scrutiny

The second most powerful official in the CFMEU NSW branch has resigned – but the head of the union is still clinging to power, promising members it’s “business as usual”.

CFMEU NSW assistant secretary Michael Greenfield, son of Darren Greenfield, on Monday advised the union’s state executive that he would step down effective immediately, citing “unbearable pressure” on his family from “sensationalised” media reports and “relentless government scrutiny”.

CFMEU NSW assistant secretary Michael Greenfield leaving court in 2019.Credit: Yianni Aspradakis

Both Darren and Michael Greenfield are facing charges of receiving bribes from an employer in return for it getting contracts on unionised building sites.

There is no suggestion the Greenfields are guilty, only that it is unusual for the leader of an organisation to stay in the role after being charged with corruption.

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

“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.

“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.”

He said as the matter was before the court and subject to strict suppression orders and enforceable undertakings, he would not comment further.

The Greenfields are set to appear before a Sydney local court for a mention on August 27 before their committal hearing next month.

Michael Greenfield’s resignation comes as the federal government introduced legislation in parliament to empower the Fair Work Commission to force the CFMEU into administration on the grounds it had not done enough to respond to the claims in media reports.

He is the second senior CFMEU official to resign following a joint investigation into the union by The Australian Financial Review, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and 60 Minutes.

The series also aired allegations that the CFMEU had been infiltrated by bikies and organised crime, and triggered the resignation of long-time CFMEU Victorian branch leader John Setka.

Darren Greenfield, a former organiser with the CFMEU, took on the role of NSW secretary in 2018. However, Michael, a former rugby league player, had no career in the construction industry before he became deputy leader under his father.

CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith, who has promised a clean-up of the union, has repeatedly stood by the Greenfields retaining their leadership role despite the criminal charges, saying they had the backing of the union’s membership and branch committee of management.

However, ACTU secretary Sally McManus’ position is that all union officials facing credible allegations of corruption should stand aside.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has also said that Darren Greenfield should quit.

“Clearly, these are very serious charges before the courts; they couldn’t be more serious and it’s hard to see how he can continue in that role while facing serious charges before the court. So, I think he should go,” Minns said last month.

Sources said Darren Greenfield addressed a union delegate meeting on Monday morning where he assured them the union would continue as normal.

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