Disgraceful Conduct and Reforms within the CFMEU

Brian AJ Newman LLB
Jul 10
3 min read

Updated: Jul 15

Recent investigations into the CFMEU have painted a troubling picture of an organisation marred by corruption, violence, intimidation, and systemic abuses of power. These findings come at a crucial time when union membership has significantly declined over the past three decades, in no small part due to such misconduct.

Background and Investigation

Two comprehensive investigations, led by administrators Mark Irving KC and Geoffrey Watson SC, have exposed disturbing practices within the CFMEU, particularly in its Queensland and Victorian branches.

Queensland CFMEU – A Culture of Violence

Geoffrey Watson SC’s inquiry into the Queensland operations of the CFMEU uncovered a disturbing culture of violence, intimidation, misogyny, and bullying. The report highlights that former CFMEU leadership, specifically Michael Ravbar and Jade Ingham, promoted a regime that endorsed violent tactics to silence opposition. Evidence gathered by Watson demonstrates that:

Threats and intimidation were not only routine but celebrated as part of union tactics.
Women and children were explicitly targeted, resulting in severe trauma and psychological harm.
Violent and threatening behaviors were applied systematically against union members, families, and even the general public.
The leadership actively encouraged this environment, creating a culture that put organisers, delegates, and the union at risk.

These shocking practices included serious threats such as:

“We know where you live…”
“There is a bullet with your name on it…”
Sexual violence threats and open stalking.

Such tactics have severely tarnished the reputation and credibility of the CFMEU, making a mockery of core union values and leading to widespread fear and retribution.

Update and New Blog Article: Disgraceful Conduct and Reforms within the CFMEU

Victorian Branch – Entrenched Corruption

The investigation into the Victorian CFMEU branch further revealed severe corruption and criminal infiltration. Watson’s interim report highlighted:

Deep-rooted connections with organised crime figures and Outlaw Motor Cycle Gangs (OMCGs), undermining union legitimacy and ethical operations.
The manipulation of Enterprise Bargaining Agreements (EBAs) for financial gain, described as trading EBAs as commodities.
Organisers and officials accepting improper benefits, severely breaching governance norms.

These revelations underscore the union's vulnerability to corruption, where violence and intimidation substitute for legitimate industrial negotiations.

Actions Taken by the Administration

In response to these findings, Mark Irving KC’s administration has taken decisive steps to reform the CFMEU, including:

Immediate dismissal and disciplinary actions against key officials implicated in corruption and violence.
Establishing an Integrity Unit and a whistleblowing policy to encourage reporting and accountability.
Mandatory training and new contracts for CFMEU employees to adhere strictly to ethical codes of conduct.
Rebuilding relationships with law enforcement and regulatory authorities to ensure transparency and legal compliance.
Conducting detailed audits of EBAs to eliminate corrupt practices and restore trust.

The Impact on Union Membership

The disgraceful conduct uncovered in these investigations provides a stark reflection on the declining union membership participation. Since the dark days of the BLF and the MUA, there has been a clear correlation between union misconduct and falling membership numbers. Workers, discouraged by intimidation and unethical practices, have increasingly distanced themselves from the union movement.

Looking Ahead – A New Path Forward

Mark Irving KC and Geoffrey Watson SC both stress that meaningful change is possible and essential. The CFMEU must replace its culture of violence and corruption with one that embodies traditional union values—justice, equality, solidarity, and accountability.

The administration remains committed to fundamentally transforming the CFMEU, ensuring it regains its integrity and once again serves the genuine interests of its members. The path forward involves not only internal reform but also active collaboration with industry partners, regulators, and law enforcement to restore public trust and rebuild membership participation.

The era of tolerance for thuggery and corruption must end. The CFMEU’s future depends on its ability to embrace profound change and restore credibility as a respected pillar of worker advocacy.

2025 Watson Report - Violence in the CFMEU (QLD)

2025 Irving Response to Watson Report - CFMEU (QLD)