Financial failure, unpaid taxes and deadly history no barrier to CFMEU promotion

Industry insiders claim a scaffolding firm with a chequered past and links to organised crime was still able to secure pivotal labour deals and promotion at the highest levels of the CFMEU.

• August 25, 2024
• by Eryk Bagshaw, Kate McClymont, Nick McKenzie and David Marin-Guzman

Murky past of publisher Brad Shaw – and the authors suing him for missing royalties

At least 12 would-be authors paid thousands of dollars to Shaw to publish their books. But all were left bitterly disappointed by the lack of sales information and proper accounting.

• August 25, 2024
• by Andrew Hornery

‘I hope you learn’: Two brave women go public with claims against Swillhouse

Rachelle “Rocky” Hair was the first female bartender at Swillhouse venues and Jenna Hemsworth was Australian Bartender of the Year in 2018. They won’t be silenced.

• August 24, 2024
• by Eryk Bagshaw and Bianca Hrovat

Bartender of the Year alleges sexual assault at Swillhouse as SafeWork NSW probes claims

The NSW government authority will examine the disturbing allegations at hospitality group Swillhouse, as bartender Jenna Hemsworth identifies herself as a complainant.

• August 23, 2024
• by Eryk Bagshaw and Bianca Hrovat

Swillhouse cancels festival after sponsors and musicians pull out amid allegations

The company said it was “heartbroken” by the sexual assault allegations as it pleaded with staff and suppliers not to abandon them.

• August 22, 2024
• by Bianca Hrovat and Eryk Bagshaw

Swillhouse scandal: The sordid bet that unfolded behind the bank vault door at Baxter Inn

Graphic content: When hospitality group Swillhouse opened a new whisky bar, the all-male team was issued a challenge: a special prize for being to the first to have sex with a customer.

• August 22, 2024
• by Bianca Hrovat and Eryk Bagshaw

Swillhouse CEO Anton Forte stands down from restaurant association board

Revelations in a Herald and Good Food investigation triggered immediate industry blowback as sponsors, artists and partners pulled out of Swillhouse’s upcoming festival.

• August 21, 2024
• by Eryk Bagshaw and Bianca Hrovat

Sex, sleaze and hospitality

A Herald and Good Food investigation reveals a top Sydney restaurant group allegedly ousted female staff after they reported sexual assaults and encouraged on-duty sex and drug use.

Sex, sleaze and Swillhouse: The sinister side of the glitzy hospitality scene

One of Sydney’s top bar and restaurant groups allegedly pushed female staff out of the company after reporting sexual assaults and encouraged staff to have sex with patrons and take drugs on duty.

• August 21, 2024
• by Eryk Bagshaw and Bianca Hrovat

Trouble in paradise: How an ambitious property developer came a cropper

An investigation by this masthead raises new questions about developer Paul Chiodo and the Keystone-managed Shield Master Fund. The Melbourne businessman says he’s been unfairly targeted.

• August 18, 2024
• by Sarah Danckert