Minns’ act after CFMEU boss’ bribery charge

NSW Premier Chris Minns has called for the immediate suspension of the NSW division of the disgraced Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU), following allegations of bribery against its state secretary Darren Greenfield.

A joint investigation with the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and 60 Minutes revealed what is purportedly new evidence in the case against the NSW boss who police allege pocketed $5000 by the owner of a building company seeking support from the union.

The footage was captured in relation to a corruption investigation by the NSW Police and Australian Federal Police, which saw Mr Greenfield charged with four counts of receiving a corrupting benefit, contrary to the Fair Work Act in September 2021.

Mr Greenfield has denied any wrongdoing and the matter remains before the courts.

His son and NSW CFMEU’s assistant secretary Michael Greenfield was also hit with corruption charges.

On Tuesday morning, Mr Minns and NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey released a joint statement stating they had written to the NSW Labor general secretary Dominic Ofner and requested the immediate suspension of the CFMEU Construction and General Division from the Labor Party and the stoppage of donations and affiliation fees.

They said the state government was also working with the Commonwealth government on a “co-ordinated approach,” including a review of NSW Enterprise Bargaining Agreements.

They said the new revelations, if true, were appalling.

“There is absolutely no tolerance for criminal or corrupt behaviour in the building industry, in unions or anywhere for that matter.

“It is clear the CFMEU Construction & General Division will not and cannot clean itself up.”

In 2021 Mr Minns expelled Mr Greenfield from the NSW Labor Party, however the union was allowed to remain.

Wednesday’s development follows a series of allegations levelled at the powerful construction union, which also includes allegations of intimidation and kick back deals with building companies.

The claims prompted the union’s Victorian boss, John Setka to resign as secretary amid claims bikies and criminals had been employed by the union to work at construction sites of major state and federal government projects.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has also requested the suspension of the union’s construction division from the state Labor branch, and stopped donations from the CFMEU.

On Tuesday, she also flagged her government was preparing to toughen “anti-bikie laws” which could make it easier for police and the courts to “prevent certain individuals from associating with each other”.

The Bill would be introduced next month and be a priority for the parliament, Ms Allan said.