New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has taken swift action against the CFMEU, suspending the union from the NSW Labor Party and halting any donations or affiliation fees following bribery allegations.
The move comes after a recent report by Nine Newspapers revealed a hidden police camera inside the union’s Sydney office allegedly capturing NSW boss Darren Greenfield receiving $5000 in cash.
Greenfield, who denies charges related to the alleged kickback in 2020, is currently facing court proceedings with no presumption of guilt, continuing in his role as the state secretary of the union.
Minns and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey stated that the CFMEU Construction & General Division is incapable of self-regulation, prompting government intervention and requesting a review of Enterprise Bargaining Agreements involving the union.
The NSW Construction Compliance Unit will collaborate with federal regulatory bodies to address any misconduct allegations, emphasizing the importance of upholding integrity within the construction sector and unions in NSW.
These developments follow a broader investigation by Nine into alleged corruption within the Victoria CFMEU branch, highlighting the ongoing efforts to safeguard the interests of union members and honest workers in the industry.