7am ‘Ice-ravaged bikies’, rats and money grabs: Inside the clean up at the CFMEU
Dec 16, 2024
Martin McKenzie-Murray, Associate Editor of The Saturday Paper, dives into the tumultuous cleanup of the CFMEU after allegations of corruption led to significant turmoil. He discusses the influence of John Setka's loyalists and the climate of fear they instigate. The podcast reveals the illegal practices that persist and highlights the harsh realities faced by reformers. McKenzie-Murray also sheds light on the contentious debates surrounding workers' compensation claims, all while navigating a minefield of organized crime links and internal strife.
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Setka's Resignation
- John Setka's resignation from the CFMEU pre-empted scandalous stories in the Nine papers.
- Whistleblowers exposed a culture of kickbacks, intimidation, blacklisted workers, and bikie involvement.
CFMEU Under Administration
- The CFMEU is under administration, inheriting a complex situation with alleged death threats against administrator Mark Irving.
- Underworld figures and bikies, previously involved with the union's old leadership, are now seeking payback.
Bikie Involvement
- The bikies' involvement with the CFMEU deepened during the 2021 riots in front of the union's Melbourne offices.
- They allegedly provided muscle and enforced blacklists, leading to increased indebtedness to them.