Criminal charges laid against CFMEU, ACT branch secretary

The CFMEU and its ACT secretary Jason O’Mara have been charged in the fallout from a ACCC-AFP investigation.

Jason O'Mara has been charged following a joint ACCC-AFP investigation.

Criminal charges have been laid against the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union and its Australian Capital Territory secretary, Jason O’Mara for alleged cartel conduct.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said today the union and Mr O’Mara had been changed following the watchdog’s joint investigation with the Australian Federal Police.

ACCC Chairman Rod Sims. Picture: Kym Smith

ACCC chair Rod Sims said the union and Mr O’Mara were each charged with attempting to induce steel fixing and scaffolding companies to reach cartel contracts and arrangements or understandings containing cartel provisions in 2012 and 2013.

The investigation arose out of the trade union royal commission which examined relationships between ACT employers and the union.

The CFMEU is facing criminal charges. Picture: Jerad Williams

The charges are being prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

The first mention of the charges before the ACT Magistrates Court is scheduled for September 27.