Concrete business emailed MPs about CFMEU thuggery 4 years ago

Former ABCC Chief Nigel Hadgkiss has called for a “strong body with sufficient powers” ​​to be created to tackle the “serious” problems present within the CFMEU. An independent administrator will be appointed to overhaul the CFMEU following allegations the union has been infiltrated by underworld figures. “I have no confidence anything realistic (or) meaningful will be accomplished,” Mr Hadgkiss told Sky News host Peta Credlin. “An administrator, yes. We need to wrap up the CFMEU. “We need a strong body with sufficient powers to tackle a serious problem.”

In an email seen by the Herald Sun sent in March 2020, the desperate business owner claimed his staff were being “intimidated” by union delegates.

“They have now taken to entering our workplace, intimidating the remainder of the staff and ordering them to down tools, and they have been extremely intimidating to myself and my business partner,” the email to parliamentarians alleged.

“They are citing safety issues in our workplace but these are completely fabricated and proven so by Worksafe inspectors who have visited our site to review the ‘suspected’ breaches.”

“Can you please make an effort to end this absolute thuggery so we can do the best we can to keep our business viable.”The email was sent to Mr Andrews, then Major Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan, and Treasurer Tim Pallas along with the rest of the Labor caucus.

The company has since ceased operating.

The email was posted on the social media yesterday by Liberal MP Bev McArthur, who said it was a clear “indication that the government knew of issues” with the CFMEU, which is one of the most powerful backers of the Australian Labor movement.

The email comes after several government MPs denied knowledge of concerns.

This includes ministers Steve Dimopoulouse, Mary-Anne Thomas and Lizze Blandthorn, who told media they were not “aware” of allegations of intimidation, corruption and bikie infiltration within the CFMEU until they were aired on 60 Minutes this month.

On Tuesday, Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny admitted that she had received an email about concerns “on a local project” and that she referred the matter to the Fair Work Commission.

Speaking to journalists, Ms Kilkenny declined to add further detail.

“I remember it was an email that had come to me, as I said that the matter was raised and is now being dealt with by the FairWork Commission.

“It was to do with a local project and as a local member of parliament I raised it and its being dealt with by the Fair WorkCommission. I can’t add anything else to that.”

Ms Kilkenny said she “followed the proper processes”, but admitted she did not speak about the issue with then Prime Minister Daniel Andrews or current Prime Minister Jacinta Allan about the matter.

It’s not known if she was referring to the same email that was sent to all parliamentarians

Her admission comes after it was revealed that another minister, Danny Pearson, was alerted to issues including when his staffer attended a fiery meeting in May where 10 contractors raised concerns.

After it was revealed more MPs were aware of concerns, Opposition Leader John Pesutto announced that the Coalition intended to introduce a Private Members Bill when parliament returned next week “to remove bikies and other organized criminal elements from taxpayer-funded worksites.

“It’s something the Allan Government should have done, but won’t do,” he said.

He also encouraged the state to abandon their independent review and instead call a Royal Commission to ensure Victorians could trust the outcome.