Law enforcement sources have acknowledged that police commissioners across the nation have been hesitant to allocate resources to investigate the allegations flagged by Irving, as previous investigations into union corruption have yielded mixed results. Additionally, legal constraints prevent police from sharing law enforcement information with non-police entities, such as Irving’s administration. Despite these challenges, Irving remains committed to pursuing claims of bribery and improper behavior in the CFMEU, which he believes have led to the proliferation of labor-hire firms associated with underworld figures and the mistreatment of union members. His assertions counter the narrative presented by former union leaders like John Setka and Darren Greenfield, who have accused Irving’s administration of undermining workers’ wages and conditions, a charge Irving vehemently denies.
The dismissal of senior CFMEU officials has revealed a concerning trend of these individuals finding employment with labor-hire firms or other employers they were alleged to have wrongly advocated for while in their union roles. Irving has announced his intention to investigate any illegal payments made by labor-hire agencies to certain union figures, with a focus on individuals like Darren and Michael Greenfield, and Rita Mallia, former CFMEU president and Cbus superannuation fund director. Recent transfers of union members’ funds to legal defense funds for former officials facing bribery charges have also raised suspicions, prompting Irving to delve into potential improprieties in these transactions, particularly in New South Wales and Queensland.
In New South Wales, Irving has pledged to delve into the suspected involvement of corrupt former union bosses Darren and Michael Greenfield, along with Rita Mallia, in the transfer of substantial amounts of union funds to a legal fund for their defense against bribery allegations. Meanwhile, in Queensland, Irving is investigating another questionable transfer of members’ funds shortly before senior officials were removed from their roles. These funds were reportedly allocated to a defense fund to oppose the regulatory intervention initiated by the Albanese government following revelations of corruption and organized crime infiltration within the union. Irving’s taskforce will also address allegations of violence, coercion, kickbacks to officials, and potential connections to outlaw motorcycle gangs and organized crime in industrial relations.
Irving has expanded his inquiries to encompass allegations of sexual harassment against female union delegates in South Australia and suspicions of kickbacks received by ex-union assistant secretary Derek Christopher from large construction firms he was supposed to oversee. Industry intermediaries like Harry Korras have been cited for allegedly offering to facilitate bribes from companies to union officials in exchange for CFMEU endorsement and access to major Victorian government projects. Despite these allegations, the individuals in question have denied any wrongdoing, and it remains the prerogative of the court to ascertain their guilt, a process in which Irving’s investigations may play a critical role.
Amidst the complex web of relationships between certain CFMEU figures and construction companies associated with criminal elements, Irving faces a daunting task in untangling the alleged corruption and wrongdoing within the union. He aims to scrutinize the potential misuse of charity causes by the CFMEU, with reports surfacing of ties to underworld figure Mick Gatto and the solicitation of building firms for support in exchange for union backing. Irving’s efforts to root out corruption, investigate financial improprieties, and address systemic issues within the CFMEU underscore his commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in the union sector, despite the formidable challenges posed by entrenched interests and illicit networks.
