FWBC withdraws claims against CFMEU national secretary

The construction industry watchdog has withdrawn claims against the construction union’s national secretary.

The construction industry watchdog has withdrawn claims against the construction union’s national secretary Michael O’Connor, who was originally named as part of a high-profile and lengthy trial set to take place this year.

The Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union, its NSW branch and 13 officials, includin­g Mr O’Connor and state branch secretary Brian Parker, faced allegations in the Federal Circuit Court over conducting “an orchestrated campaign of unlawful blockades and work disruptions” at Barangaroo in Sydney in February last year.

The suit brought by the Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate names some organisers and officials implicated in the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption.

However, the FWBC today said that while Mr O’Connor had previously been named, and had not responded to an invitation for an interview, a sworn affidavit from a witness who had identified Mr O’Connor as participating in the alleged activity at the Barangaroo site had been withdrawn.

“As a federal regulator, FWBC treats its responsibility to act as a model litigant seriously. In light of this development it has decided the chances of a successful court outcome in relation to Mr O’Connor is diminished,” the FWBC said in a statement.

The case provoked fury from the CFMEU when it was announced. Construction division secretary Dave Noonan, who is not alleged to have been involved, declared the suit “a bullshit allegation made for entirely­ political purposes”, adding that the union would “vigorously defend” the charges.

The CFMEU had also complained to the Commonwealth Ombudsman over “the timing and the conduct” of the matter, claiming the case was built to underscore the Coalition’s fervent­ lobbying to convince crossbench senators to support the restoration of regul­ator the Australian Building and Construction Commission.

Mr Noonan hit out at the initial claims.

“There was no credible evidence against O’Connor,” he said, adding that the union will be seeking costs and defend the remaining charges.