Latest news with #JohnSetka
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
CFMEU legal challenge to federal takeover dismissed
A High Court rejection of the CFMEU's legal challenge to a federal takeover has paved the way to reform the union, administrators for the embattled organisation say. The CFMEU failed in its bid to overturn a decision by the Albanese government in the High Court that placed the union's construction division into administration. The federal government intervened in August 2024, following claims of bikie and organised crime figures infiltrating the scandal-riddled union, in addition to other serious criminal activity. Controversial leader John Setka claimed the allegations against the union were false, but said he would step down to stop the intense media coverage. Former CFMEU officials challenged the government's legislation that removed the union's leadership and placed it under the control of administrator Mark Irving KC. The plaintiffs, sacked CFMEU officials Michael Ravbar and William Lowth, argued the law was invalid on four grounds, including that it breached their implied freedom of political communication. The full bench of the High Court found all four arguments were unfounded. Mr Irving said the court's decision was a rejection of the attack on the administration's legitimacy. "The decision provides clarity and it paves the way for greater systemic reforms necessary for the union and across the industry," he said. "Along with the CFMEU, employers, regulators and governments all have a role to play in rooting out malignant and violent actors from the construction sector." Victoria Police last September said Setka wouldn't face criminal charges over visits to government work sites, after it looked into 20 allegations of "potential criminal activity". Criminal infiltration and corruption of the construction industry was revealed in Mr Irving's first report as remaining "an area in which much work still needs to be done". Previous workplace relations minister Murray Watt credited Mr Irving and his team for uncovering the "unacceptable conduct". He later referred further allegations, aired by 60 Minutes, to police for investigation. The government's legislation allows the CFMEU to remain in administration for up to five years and officials who frustrate or obstruct the process face hefty penalties. Industrial Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth said the government would not tolerate criminal behaviour, corruption or violence in the construction industry. "We need to focus on shifting the culture in the construction industry and ensure the bad actors we have seen infiltrating this sector are kept out," she said in a statement. "Construction workers deserve a union free from criminality, corruption and violence. "The administrator and his team can now move forward with confidence and continue their essential work in cleaning up the Construction and General Division of the CFMEU." Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn said the ruling gave the construction industry and administrator the certainty they needed to clean up the union. "More needs to be done around criminal activity, around competition law in terms of cartel-like behaviour, we need more whistle-blowing support for those who do want to come forward," she told reporters in Canberra. "The administration has created calm. It's enabled us to actually work and have conversations with the CFMEU for the first time." Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Andrew McKellar said the administration was a welcome first step but more needed to be done to address construction sector issues. "The commonwealth government should move to re-instate an effective industry watchdog, with the powers and resources to stamp out corrupt and illegal conduct in the construction industry and to work in synergy with the administrator," he said. A High Court rejection of the CFMEU's legal challenge to a federal takeover has paved the way to reform the union, administrators for the embattled organisation say. The CFMEU failed in its bid to overturn a decision by the Albanese government in the High Court that placed the union's construction division into administration. The federal government intervened in August 2024, following claims of bikie and organised crime figures infiltrating the scandal-riddled union, in addition to other serious criminal activity. Controversial leader John Setka claimed the allegations against the union were false, but said he would step down to stop the intense media coverage. Former CFMEU officials challenged the government's legislation that removed the union's leadership and placed it under the control of administrator Mark Irving KC. The plaintiffs, sacked CFMEU officials Michael Ravbar and William Lowth, argued the law was invalid on four grounds, including that it breached their implied freedom of political communication. The full bench of the High Court found all four arguments were unfounded. Mr Irving said the court's decision was a rejection of the attack on the administration's legitimacy. "The decision provides clarity and it paves the way for greater systemic reforms necessary for the union and across the industry," he said. "Along with the CFMEU, employers, regulators and governments all have a role to play in rooting out malignant and violent actors from the construction sector." Victoria Police last September said Setka wouldn't face criminal charges over visits to government work sites, after it looked into 20 allegations of "potential criminal activity". Criminal infiltration and corruption of the construction industry was revealed in Mr Irving's first report as remaining "an area in which much work still needs to be done". Previous workplace relations minister Murray Watt credited Mr Irving and his team for uncovering the "unacceptable conduct". He later referred further allegations, aired by 60 Minutes, to police for investigation. The government's legislation allows the CFMEU to remain in administration for up to five years and officials who frustrate or obstruct the process face hefty penalties. Industrial Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth said the government would not tolerate criminal behaviour, corruption or violence in the construction industry. "We need to focus on shifting the culture in the construction industry and ensure the bad actors we have seen infiltrating this sector are kept out," she said in a statement. "Construction workers deserve a union free from criminality, corruption and violence. "The administrator and his team can now move forward with confidence and continue their essential work in cleaning up the Construction and General Division of the CFMEU." Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn said the ruling gave the construction industry and administrator the certainty they needed to clean up the union. "More needs to be done around criminal activity, around competition law in terms of cartel-like behaviour, we need more whistle-blowing support for those who do want to come forward," she told reporters in Canberra. "The administration has created calm. It's enabled us to actually work and have conversations with the CFMEU for the first time." Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Andrew McKellar said the administration was a welcome first step but more needed to be done to address construction sector issues. "The commonwealth government should move to re-instate an effective industry watchdog, with the powers and resources to stamp out corrupt and illegal conduct in the construction industry and to work in synergy with the administrator," he said. A High Court rejection of the CFMEU's legal challenge to a federal takeover has paved the way to reform the union, administrators for the embattled organisation say. The CFMEU failed in its bid to overturn a decision by the Albanese government in the High Court that placed the union's construction division into administration. The federal government intervened in August 2024, following claims of bikie and organised crime figures infiltrating the scandal-riddled union, in addition to other serious criminal activity. Controversial leader John Setka claimed the allegations against the union were false, but said he would step down to stop the intense media coverage. Former CFMEU officials challenged the government's legislation that removed the union's leadership and placed it under the control of administrator Mark Irving KC. The plaintiffs, sacked CFMEU officials Michael Ravbar and William Lowth, argued the law was invalid on four grounds, including that it breached their implied freedom of political communication. The full bench of the High Court found all four arguments were unfounded. Mr Irving said the court's decision was a rejection of the attack on the administration's legitimacy. "The decision provides clarity and it paves the way for greater systemic reforms necessary for the union and across the industry," he said. "Along with the CFMEU, employers, regulators and governments all have a role to play in rooting out malignant and violent actors from the construction sector." Victoria Police last September said Setka wouldn't face criminal charges over visits to government work sites, after it looked into 20 allegations of "potential criminal activity". Criminal infiltration and corruption of the construction industry was revealed in Mr Irving's first report as remaining "an area in which much work still needs to be done". Previous workplace relations minister Murray Watt credited Mr Irving and his team for uncovering the "unacceptable conduct". He later referred further allegations, aired by 60 Minutes, to police for investigation. The government's legislation allows the CFMEU to remain in administration for up to five years and officials who frustrate or obstruct the process face hefty penalties. Industrial Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth said the government would not tolerate criminal behaviour, corruption or violence in the construction industry. "We need to focus on shifting the culture in the construction industry and ensure the bad actors we have seen infiltrating this sector are kept out," she said in a statement. "Construction workers deserve a union free from criminality, corruption and violence. "The administrator and his team can now move forward with confidence and continue their essential work in cleaning up the Construction and General Division of the CFMEU." Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn said the ruling gave the construction industry and administrator the certainty they needed to clean up the union. "More needs to be done around criminal activity, around competition law in terms of cartel-like behaviour, we need more whistle-blowing support for those who do want to come forward," she told reporters in Canberra. "The administration has created calm. It's enabled us to actually work and have conversations with the CFMEU for the first time." Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Andrew McKellar said the administration was a welcome first step but more needed to be done to address construction sector issues. "The commonwealth government should move to re-instate an effective industry watchdog, with the powers and resources to stamp out corrupt and illegal conduct in the construction industry and to work in synergy with the administrator," he said. A High Court rejection of the CFMEU's legal challenge to a federal takeover has paved the way to reform the union, administrators for the embattled organisation say. The CFMEU failed in its bid to overturn a decision by the Albanese government in the High Court that placed the union's construction division into administration. The federal government intervened in August 2024, following claims of bikie and organised crime figures infiltrating the scandal-riddled union, in addition to other serious criminal activity. Controversial leader John Setka claimed the allegations against the union were false, but said he would step down to stop the intense media coverage. Former CFMEU officials challenged the government's legislation that removed the union's leadership and placed it under the control of administrator Mark Irving KC. The plaintiffs, sacked CFMEU officials Michael Ravbar and William Lowth, argued the law was invalid on four grounds, including that it breached their implied freedom of political communication. The full bench of the High Court found all four arguments were unfounded. Mr Irving said the court's decision was a rejection of the attack on the administration's legitimacy. "The decision provides clarity and it paves the way for greater systemic reforms necessary for the union and across the industry," he said. "Along with the CFMEU, employers, regulators and governments all have a role to play in rooting out malignant and violent actors from the construction sector." Victoria Police last September said Setka wouldn't face criminal charges over visits to government work sites, after it looked into 20 allegations of "potential criminal activity". Criminal infiltration and corruption of the construction industry was revealed in Mr Irving's first report as remaining "an area in which much work still needs to be done". Previous workplace relations minister Murray Watt credited Mr Irving and his team for uncovering the "unacceptable conduct". He later referred further allegations, aired by 60 Minutes, to police for investigation. The government's legislation allows the CFMEU to remain in administration for up to five years and officials who frustrate or obstruct the process face hefty penalties. Industrial Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth said the government would not tolerate criminal behaviour, corruption or violence in the construction industry. "We need to focus on shifting the culture in the construction industry and ensure the bad actors we have seen infiltrating this sector are kept out," she said in a statement. "Construction workers deserve a union free from criminality, corruption and violence. "The administrator and his team can now move forward with confidence and continue their essential work in cleaning up the Construction and General Division of the CFMEU." Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn said the ruling gave the construction industry and administrator the certainty they needed to clean up the union. "More needs to be done around criminal activity, around competition law in terms of cartel-like behaviour, we need more whistle-blowing support for those who do want to come forward," she told reporters in Canberra. "The administration has created calm. It's enabled us to actually work and have conversations with the CFMEU for the first time." Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Andrew McKellar said the administration was a welcome first step but more needed to be done to address construction sector issues. "The commonwealth government should move to re-instate an effective industry watchdog, with the powers and resources to stamp out corrupt and illegal conduct in the construction industry and to work in synergy with the administrator," he said.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
High Court dismisses CFMEU challenge to govt takeover
The CFMEU has failed to overturn the Albanese government's move to force the union's construction division into administration in the High Court. The federal government intervened in August 2024, following claims of bikie and organised crime figures infiltrating the scandal-riddled union, in addition to other serious criminal activity. Controversial leader John Setka claimed the allegations against the union were false, but said he would step down to stop the intense media coverage. Former CFMEU officials challenged the government's legislation that removed the union's leadership and placed it under the control of administrator Mark Irving KC. The plaintiffs, sacked CFMEU officials Michael Ravbar and William Lowth, argued the law was invalid on four grounds, including that it breached their implied freedom of political communication. The full bench of the High Court found all four arguments were unfounded. Victoria Police last September said Setka wouldn't face criminal charges over visits to government work sites, after it looked into 20 allegations of "potential criminal activity". Criminal infiltration and corruption of the construction industry was revealed in Mr Irving's first report as remaining "an area in which much work still needs to be done". Previous workplace relations minister Murray Watt credited Mr Irving and his team for uncovering the "unacceptable conduct". He later referred further allegations, aired by 60 Minutes, to police for investigation. The government labelled vision of a woman being bashed by a bikie-linked health and safety representative as "horrifying". CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith told staff in May he would step away from his role, but would continue to lead the Victorian branch. A damning interim report by lawyer Geoffrey Watson SC said "lawlessness" in the union's construction arm was widespread. Further investigations to identify instances when Victorian branch officials had engaged in or been subject to threatening, violent or abusive conduct were among the seven recommendations he made. All were accepted by the administrator. The government's legislation allows the CFMEU to remain in administration for up to five years and officials that frustrate or obstruct the process face hefty penalties. Industrial Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth said the government would not tolerate criminal behaviour, corruption or violence in the construction industry. "We need to focus on shifting the culture in the construction industry and ensure the bad actors we have seen infiltrating this sector are kept out," she said in a statement. "Construction workers deserve a union free from criminality, corruption and violence. "The administrator and his team can now move forward with confidence and continue their essential work in cleaning up the Construction and General Division of the CFMEU." Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn said the ruling gave the construction industry and the administrator the certainty they needed to clean up the union.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Fate of construction union hangs on High Court ruling
The High Court will deliver its judgment on a legal challenge by the CFMEU to overturn the Albanese government's move to force the union's construction division into administration. The decision will be handed down on Wednesday morning. The federal government intervened in August 2024, following claims of bikie and organised crime figures infiltrating the scandal-riddled union, in addition to other serious criminal activity. Controversial leader John Setka claimed the allegations against the union were false, but said he would step down to stop the intense media coverage. Victoria Police last September said the former construction union boss wouldn't face criminal charges over visits to government work sites, after it looked into 20 allegations of "potential criminal activity". Elected leaders of its construction division branches in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory were sacked and replaced by administrator Mark Irving KC. Criminal infiltration and corruption of the construction industry was revealed in Mr Irving's first report as remaining "an area in which much work still needs to be done". Previous workplace relations minister Murray Watt credited Mr Irving and his team for uncovering the "unacceptable conduct". He later referred further allegations, aired by 60 Minutes, to police for investigation. The government labelled vision of a woman being bashed by a bikie-linked health and safety representative as "horrifying". CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith told staff last month he would step away from his role, but would continue to lead the Victorian branch. A damning interim report by lawyer Geoffrey Watson SC said "lawlessness" in the union's construction arm was widespread. Further investigations to identify instances when Victorian branch officials had engaged in or been subject to threatening, violent or abusive conduct were among the seven recommendations he made. All were accepted by the administrator. The High Court will deliver its judgment on a legal challenge by the CFMEU to overturn the Albanese government's move to force the union's construction division into administration. The decision will be handed down on Wednesday morning. The federal government intervened in August 2024, following claims of bikie and organised crime figures infiltrating the scandal-riddled union, in addition to other serious criminal activity. Controversial leader John Setka claimed the allegations against the union were false, but said he would step down to stop the intense media coverage. Victoria Police last September said the former construction union boss wouldn't face criminal charges over visits to government work sites, after it looked into 20 allegations of "potential criminal activity". Elected leaders of its construction division branches in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory were sacked and replaced by administrator Mark Irving KC. Criminal infiltration and corruption of the construction industry was revealed in Mr Irving's first report as remaining "an area in which much work still needs to be done". Previous workplace relations minister Murray Watt credited Mr Irving and his team for uncovering the "unacceptable conduct". He later referred further allegations, aired by 60 Minutes, to police for investigation. The government labelled vision of a woman being bashed by a bikie-linked health and safety representative as "horrifying". CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith told staff last month he would step away from his role, but would continue to lead the Victorian branch. A damning interim report by lawyer Geoffrey Watson SC said "lawlessness" in the union's construction arm was widespread. Further investigations to identify instances when Victorian branch officials had engaged in or been subject to threatening, violent or abusive conduct were among the seven recommendations he made. All were accepted by the administrator. The High Court will deliver its judgment on a legal challenge by the CFMEU to overturn the Albanese government's move to force the union's construction division into administration. The decision will be handed down on Wednesday morning. The federal government intervened in August 2024, following claims of bikie and organised crime figures infiltrating the scandal-riddled union, in addition to other serious criminal activity. Controversial leader John Setka claimed the allegations against the union were false, but said he would step down to stop the intense media coverage. Victoria Police last September said the former construction union boss wouldn't face criminal charges over visits to government work sites, after it looked into 20 allegations of "potential criminal activity". Elected leaders of its construction division branches in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory were sacked and replaced by administrator Mark Irving KC. Criminal infiltration and corruption of the construction industry was revealed in Mr Irving's first report as remaining "an area in which much work still needs to be done". Previous workplace relations minister Murray Watt credited Mr Irving and his team for uncovering the "unacceptable conduct". He later referred further allegations, aired by 60 Minutes, to police for investigation. The government labelled vision of a woman being bashed by a bikie-linked health and safety representative as "horrifying". CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith told staff last month he would step away from his role, but would continue to lead the Victorian branch. A damning interim report by lawyer Geoffrey Watson SC said "lawlessness" in the union's construction arm was widespread. Further investigations to identify instances when Victorian branch officials had engaged in or been subject to threatening, violent or abusive conduct were among the seven recommendations he made. All were accepted by the administrator. The High Court will deliver its judgment on a legal challenge by the CFMEU to overturn the Albanese government's move to force the union's construction division into administration. The decision will be handed down on Wednesday morning. The federal government intervened in August 2024, following claims of bikie and organised crime figures infiltrating the scandal-riddled union, in addition to other serious criminal activity. Controversial leader John Setka claimed the allegations against the union were false, but said he would step down to stop the intense media coverage. Victoria Police last September said the former construction union boss wouldn't face criminal charges over visits to government work sites, after it looked into 20 allegations of "potential criminal activity". Elected leaders of its construction division branches in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory were sacked and replaced by administrator Mark Irving KC. Criminal infiltration and corruption of the construction industry was revealed in Mr Irving's first report as remaining "an area in which much work still needs to be done". Previous workplace relations minister Murray Watt credited Mr Irving and his team for uncovering the "unacceptable conduct". He later referred further allegations, aired by 60 Minutes, to police for investigation. The government labelled vision of a woman being bashed by a bikie-linked health and safety representative as "horrifying". CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith told staff last month he would step away from his role, but would continue to lead the Victorian branch. A damning interim report by lawyer Geoffrey Watson SC said "lawlessness" in the union's construction arm was widespread. Further investigations to identify instances when Victorian branch officials had engaged in or been subject to threatening, violent or abusive conduct were among the seven recommendations he made. All were accepted by the administrator.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Fate of construction union hangs on High Court ruling
The High Court will deliver its judgment on a legal challenge by the CFMEU to overturn the Albanese government's move to force the union's construction division into administration. The decision will be handed down on Wednesday morning. The federal government intervened in August 2024, following claims of bikie and organised crime figures infiltrating the scandal-riddled union, in addition to other serious criminal activity. Controversial leader John Setka claimed the allegations against the union were false, but said he would step down to stop the intense media coverage. Victoria Police last September said the former construction union boss wouldn't face criminal charges over visits to government work sites, after it looked into 20 allegations of "potential criminal activity". Elected leaders of its construction division branches in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory were sacked and replaced by administrator Mark Irving KC. Criminal infiltration and corruption of the construction industry was revealed in Mr Irving's first report as remaining "an area in which much work still needs to be done". Previous workplace relations minister Murray Watt credited Mr Irving and his team for uncovering the "unacceptable conduct". He later referred further allegations, aired by 60 Minutes, to police for investigation. The government labelled vision of a woman being bashed by a bikie-linked health and safety representative as "horrifying". CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith told staff last month he would step away from his role, but would continue to lead the Victorian branch. A damning interim report by lawyer Geoffrey Watson SC said "lawlessness" in the union's construction arm was widespread. Further investigations to identify instances when Victorian branch officials had engaged in or been subject to threatening, violent or abusive conduct were among the seven recommendations he made. All were accepted by the administrator.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
CFMEU boss to step away from national leadership post
The top dog of Australia's notorious construction union is stepping back as national leader and turning his full gaze to a troubled state branch. Zach Smith has told staff he will step away as CFMEU national secretary but continue to lead the Victorian branch, multiple media outlets report. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said Mr Smith had made a "significant contribution" to reforming the union following claims of bikie and organised crime infiltration. "We have zero tolerance for the allegations that have been made and we thank Zach for his work," she told reporters on Thursday. The CFMEU and administrator's office have been contacted for comment. The union's construction division was forced into administration by the federal government in August. Elected leaders of its construction division branches in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory were sacked and replaced by administrator Mark Irving KC. The barrister recently took over the ACT's branch and removed Michael Hiscox as acting secretary, according to the Australian Financial Review. Mr Hiscox replaced Mr Smith in the role after he became national and Victorian secretary following the exit of controversial leader John Setka last July. Setka claimed the allegations against the union were false but said he would step down to stop the barrage of stories. A damning interim report by lawyer Geoffrey Watson SC said "lawlessness" in the union's construction arm was widespread. He made seven recommendations, including further investigations to identify instances when Victorian branch officials had engaged in or been subject to threatening, violent or abusive conduct. All were accepted by the administrator, who provided Mr Watson with coercive powers to continue his work. A separate Victorian government-commissioned review was slammed as a "whitewash" after it did not cite examples of corruption or criminal infiltration, or hold any official or politician accountable. Ms Allan originally referred the allegations to Victoria Police and the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission for investigation. In March, the premier said a "new" taskforce would probe fresh allegations in the construction sector, including assaults against female workers. It was later revealed the police taskforce had been running since at least early August.
