CFMEU calls in ‘corruption buster’

CFMEU chiefs order probe into corruption claims, with the investigator’s report to ‘inform the future actions of the union’.

CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith. Picture: Aaron Francis

The CFMEU has appointed an anti-corruption investigator to probe allegation of criminal conduct by the union and some officials.

In a statement to union members on Tuesday, national secretary Zach Smith said Geoffrey Watson, SC, a former counsellor assisting the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption, had been hired to lead the probe.

“Much of the media reporting in the past two weeks has been misinformed and the commentary from anti-union actors has been opportunistic, disgraceful and targeting your wages and conditions,” Mr Smith said.

“However, there are matters raised in the media that must be taken seriously and warrant investigation. We are addressing these issues head on.”

Mr Smith would lead an independent investigation that would report back to him as national secretary and that his “review will inform the future actions of the union”.

The CFMEU has been engulfed in a scandal in the wake of allegations that bikies were employed as union delegates and other claims of bullying and misconduct on Victoria’s taxpayer-funded Big Build road and tunnel projects.

Veteran CFMEU Victorian state secretary John Setka resigned ahead of serious allegation raised in the media about the union’s links to bikies.

Mr Smith also said two governance experts, Susan Halliday and Michael Paynter, would conduct a review of the union’s policies and processes.

“What the union is going through right now is painful and difficult,” he said.

“But I am absolutely determined to ensure that we come out of this stronger than ever. The CFMEU protects lives in the toughest industry of all; it is a critical part of the broader union movement.

“We will not allow anti-unionists to use this to tear down that institution. I commit to working day and night to make sure stamp out any criminal conduct and address the challenges in front of us.”