CFMEU + Labor

Question 1

John Setka’s role and influence

Answer 1

• Secretary of the CFMEU, central figure in corruption allegations
• Controls large-scale projects like Victoria’s Big Build

Question 2

Setka’s nighttime visit

Answer 2

• Allegedly visited a union official’s house late at night to intimidate them
• Incident raised concerns about the union’s internal culture and Setka’s methods

Question 3

Setka’s links to organised crime

Answer 3

• Allegations of involvement in kickback schemes
• Accusations of connections with underworld figures (Mick Gatto), damaging the union’s reputation

Question 4

CFMEU control over government projects

Answer 4

• Accused of manipulating Enterprise Bargaining Agreements (EBAs) to black-ban non-compliant companies
• Holds significant control over government construction projects, particularly in Victoria (Big Build)

Question 5

CFMEU political donations and influence

Answer 5

• Made substantial donations to Victorian and Federal Labor parties ($1mill to federal ALP)
• Concerns about the union’s influence over political decisions and ALP factions
• Allegations of influencing party decisions and state conferences

Question 6

Investigations

Answer 6

• Victoria Police and Fair Work Commission are investigating the CFMEU’s activities
• Focus on potential criminal behavior, including kickbacks and ties to organized crime

Question 7

De-registration

Answer 7

• Due to the severity of the allegations, there have been calls to de-register the CFMEU
• Comparisons to the Builders Labourers Federation (BLF), which was de-registered in the past
• De-registration would dismantle the union and remove its influence from the construction industry

Question 8

Premier Jacinta Allen’s response

Answer 8

• Faced criticism for handling of CFMEU allegations
• Accused of being slow to act on the union’s misconduct
• Speculation that inaction may be due to CFMEU’s financial contributions to the Labor party

Question 9

Awareness of corruption

Answer 9

• Suggestions that high-ranking government officials were aware of CFMEU’s activities but failed to act (Allen’s deflections of Marda Dandhi case + Pearson’s likely knowledge due to asphalt contractors meeting and subsequent claim he didn’t know)
• Calls for a broader investigation into potential government complicity or negligence

Question 10

Restoration of ABCC

Answer 10

• Discussions about reinstating the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC)
• Aimed at overseeing the construction industry and curbing union influence

Question 11

Impact on government credibility

Answer 11

• Scandal threatens to undermine public trust in the state government
• Potential political fallout if further links between government officials and CFMEU are uncovered
• Growing demands for more stringent oversight and accountability measures