Queensland CFMEU to be investigated for alleged links to bikie gangs and crime syndicates

Queensland’s CFMEU will be investigated for alleged links to bikie gangs and crime syndicates as well as claims of unlawful behaviour.

Independent advisory firm KordaMentha has been asked by CFMEU administrator Mark Irving KC to probe the state branch.

The CFMEU’s construction and general division was forced into administration in August, with Mr Irving named administrator by the Fair Work Commission.

It followed reports by Nine about allegations the division had been infiltrated by bikie figures and had systemic issues of bullying and intimidation.

There is currently no evidence of criminal or corrupt conduct within Queensland’s CFMEU.

But Mr Irving has requested KordaMentha investigate any links to crime networks and motorcycle gangs, any misuse of power, and whether CFMEU delegates received any financial benefits.

The investigation will also probe allegations of threats of violence and intimidation and other claims of broader cultural issues.

KordaMentha is expected to complete a preliminary report by December 3, with the full report due March 31.

CFMEU members urged to report experiences

In September, the interim findings of a report commissioned by CFMEU leadership found bikies were influential within the union’s Victorian branch and that EBA negotiations had become “vulnerable to corruption”.

“On the information available to me, I consider that the Victorian branch has been infiltrated by OMCGs [outlaw motorcycle gangs] and by organised crime figures,” barrister Geoffrey Watson SC said in his report.

“The Victorian branch has been caught up in a cycle of lawlessness, where violence was accepted as part of the culture, and threats of violence were a substitute for reasoned negotiations.”

Mr Irving has established an integrity unit within the union to receive and review complaints.

CFMEU members have been urged to report their experiences via secure platform, Elker.

The whistleblowing and complaints policy for the construction and general division states “the new laws that put the union into administration ensure that people wanting to disclose information will be protected”.

“There is a history in the construction industry of blowback on those who want to take on corruption, criminal behaviour and wrongdoing,” says the policy written by Mr Irving.