This Month
- Investigation
- Building Bad
The footballer, the underworld and the union deal
When Faruk Orman and ex-AFL player Kayne Pettifer aligned to secure a firm with CFMEU support, it was a case study in underworld figures monetising union backing.
Bikie delegates axed as CFMEU scrambles to fight back
Sources say the Labor government is struggling to find someone willing to take on external administration of the CFMEU, a move it is desperately trying to fend off.
- Investigation
- Building Bad
Leaked texts reveal Labor women who backed Setka
Leaked text messages reveal Labor politicians and insiders sent messages of support to the CFMEU boss as he dealt with domestic violence-related offences.
ACCC urged to investigate CFMEU-John Holland ‘damning document’
Competition experts are shocked at a secret side deal between John Holland and the CFMEU to only use three-CFMEU-backed labour hire companies on a major state project.
- Updated
CFMEU treats $19m in fines as ‘cost of doing business’
Judges have constantly called out the rogue union while issuing workplace penalties of about $19 million since 2016 – including the latest on Thursday.
- Updated
Labor rules giving building unions more powers on projects
The construction industry in Queensland is worried about state policies that benefit the CFMEU, but which will saddle consumers with great costs.
- Investigation
- Building Bad
This firm is on police’s radar, but still thriving thanks to CFMEU
A company run by brothers known to the authorities and championed by the union has ballooned into one of NSW’s biggest labour hire operations.
- Updated
- Building Bad
CFMEU crackdown doesn’t go far enough
Business groups are demanding an inquiry into the CFMEU’s alleged criminal activities and the return of a permanent independent regulator.
- Investigation
- Building Bad
CFMEU boss caught on covert camera allegedly taking a cash bribe
A police lens hidden in the roof of the union’s Sydney office is said to have captured Darren Greenfield being passed money in a suspected kickback deal.
- Exclusive
- Building Bad
Albanese to push aside CFMEU bosses
The Albanese government will seek to appoint an external administrator to clean up the CFMEU, sidelining its national and state leaders. The MUA is also considering whether to split from the CFMEU.
- Investigation
- Building Bad
Allan, Albanese told of union thuggery in 2022
Detailed evidence was sent more than 18 months ago that CFMEU officials were threatening violence and banning non-union preferred firms from taxpayer-funded projects.
- Investigation
- Building Bad
‘I just need this to stop’: Dead after first day on CFMEU site
A day before his 19th birthday, Ben Nash had no idea the t-shirt he was wearing would lead him to be bullied, humiliated and locked in a shed.
- Updated
- Building Bad
Victorian premier accused of ‘smokescreen’ as response falls short
Jacinta Allan has been accused of “turning a blind eye” to the alleged criminality on worksites, as top union leaders back the union’s ability to investigate itself.
- Updated
- Investigation
- Building Bad
‘Everybody eats’: secret recording exposes CFMEU kickback plan
Harry Korras was clear that to get a CFMEU EBA “there’s a fee. That’s business.” Meanwhile, police evidence mounts against John Setka’s anointed successor.
Business demands royal commission into ‘abhorrent’ CFMEU conduct
Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke has thrown down the gauntlet to the construction union after explosive misconduct allegations, but business groups want him to act now.
- Updated
- Analysis
- Building Bad
‘The dam is breaking’: Setka resignation blow to culture of fear
The CFMEU boss’ departure was a shock even to his own officials, but it is a watershed moment for the culture of silence and intimidation that has ruled the construction industry.
- Investigation
- Building Bad
Caught on film: How Setka and the CFMEU wield their power
Videos show John Setka delivering a suitcase message to a rival’s home, and other officials issuing threats and boasting of the union’s total control.
‘Good’: PM welcomes Setka resignation after AFR investigation
Anthony Albanese slammed former CFMEU boss John Setka as calls emerged for him to take tougher action against the militant union after allegations reported today.
- Updated
Setka quits CFMEU effective immediately
Powerful CFMEU boss John Setka has quit the union ahead of explosive allegations regarding misconduct involving himself and the union.
- Exclusive
- Industrial relations
CFMEU conditions risk pushing up Queensland build costs by a third
Restrictive CFMEU conditions on Queensland sites risk dragging out work and making apartment buildings up to 33 per cent more expensive to build, a new analysis says.
