4 days Ago By Holly Hales
Widespread "lawlessness" has infiltrated the construction arm of the CFMEU's Victorian branch and bikies hold "more or less the same authority", despite efforts to clean up the union. Login or signup to continue reading A litany of damning findings have been documented in a scathing interim report into allegations the construction and general division was involved in criminal and corrupt conduct, as uncovered by Nine newspapers earlier this year. The report prepared by Geoffrey Watson SC, who CFMEU National Secretary Zach Smith engaged in July to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations, was released on Monday.
Mr Watson made seven recommendations, including that further investigations be undertaken to identify instances when Victorian branch officials have engaged in or been subject to threatening, violent or abusive conduct. He also said the branch should build "co-operative relationships" with the Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police and regulatory authorities "so that criminal conduct can be dealt with in accordance with the law". "Based on the information uncovered during my investigation, the Victorian Branch has been caught up in a cycle of lawlessness, where violence was an accepted part of the culture, and threats of violence were a substitute for reasoned negotiations," Mr Watson said.
He detailed a "stubborn refusal, amongst officials" in the union to involve police in matters. "It was almost as though the police were regarded as enemies," Mr Watson said. "I was told about specific incidents in which union people had been severely bashed or subjected to threats of violence or death, but no police referral was made.
" One senior official said he could give Mr Watson "1000 cases where workers have been stood over and bashed" and added that "all the police do, is turn around and go after unions". Efforts to rid the union of bikies had been "inadequate" and there was no record of a formal investigation. "I was also told that almost all of the people on the list remained with the same employer, in a different capacity," he said.
"I understood that the same men remained on the same sites with, more or less, the same authority. "I remain unconvinced that the Victorian Branch had a real intention to fix this problem. Even if it did, more needs to be done to fix the problem.
" Mr Watson noted his investigation was hampered by his inability to compel witnesses to give evidence or compel the production of documents. "I was unable to offer potential witnesses any promises of confidentiality," he added. "Part-way through my investigation, I was told that threats of violence had been made including against members of the executive team of the Victorian branch.
"Because of those threats, I was instructed to refrain from contacting certain third parties." Last month, federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus placed the construction arm of the CFMEU, and all of it branches. into administration.
Mr Dreyfus appointed Mark Irving KC as administrator. Mr Watson said Mr Irving later instructed him to provide his report and make recommendations about investigations the administrator should carry out. Mr Watson also recommended further probes into any remaining links between union delegates and outlaw motorcycle gangs, and their influence.
Australian Associated Press DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis.
WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Sunday explore destinations, deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around Australia and the globe.
WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp.
Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.
WEEKLY Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.
TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper.
Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!.
