AFP raids target Victorian building industry

Australian Federal Police officers have conducted two raids across Melbourne.

Police raiding a house in Templestowe Lower. Thursday, March 13. 2025. Picture: David Crosling

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Australian Federal Police officers have conducted two raids in Melbourne as part of an investigation into corruption in the Victorian construction industry.

AFP officers on Thursday searched a residential property in Templestowe Lower and a warehouse in Northcote.

Armed police were at the properties for several hours.

A federal police spokesperson said the searches were “part of the AFP’s response to allegations of corruption in the Victorian building industry”.

“There is no threat to public safety,” the spokesperson said. “Further comment will be made at an appropriate time.”

The raids mark the latest chapter in the scandal that has engulfed the construction sector for months, which has included the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union being forced into administration following allegations of links to outlaw bikies and organised crime. Following an independent review, the Victorian Labor government pledged to overhaul its labour hire rules, requiring builders and construction workers to report any suspected criminal or unlawful conduct on worksites.

CFMEU administrator Mark Irving KC has said a High Court challenge by the union’s former leadership has frustrated his ability to get whistleblowers to come forward, as they fear ex-officials could be returned to power.

The court is expected to hand down its ruling in coming weeks.

Former Queensland CFMEU secretary Michael Ravbar has accused Mr Irving of driving the union’s finances “into the red” through pointless and flawed investigations.