Federal Government Funding Security for CFMEU Administrators
The federal government has allocated millions of dollars for personal protection of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) administrators. Additionally, security arrangements were made for Minister Murray Watt following his introduction of legislation that placed the union into administration.
During a Senate committee session on education and employment legislation, Liberal Senator Jane Hume questioned the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) regarding expenditures related to security for the union administrators. It was disclosed that DEWR has spent substantial funds to ensure the safety of these officials.
Approximately $3.8 million was expended on personal protection for former administrator Mark Irving, who served in the role for 20 months. During his tenure, Irving dismissed hundreds of employees and faced death threats.
Furthermore, portfolio budget statements indicate that $5.3 million has been allocated over two years to provide personal protective security for Irving's successor, Michael Crosby, who was appointed as administrator in the previous month. Crosby had previously held the position of the union’s New South Wales executive officer.
Security for Minister Murray Watt
Murray Watt, currently Minister for the Environment and Water, also required personal security following his role in placing the CFMEU into administration. When Senator Hume inquired whether Watt had personal security during his tenure as Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, he confirmed:
"I did for a period of time, yeah."
Watt refrained from discussing the specifics of the security arrangements, stating:
"I’m not sure that it’s wise for anyone to talk about what security arrangements."
He declined to specify the nature or origin of the threats but attributed them to criminal elements:
"All I’ll say is that there were a number of criminal elements around the country who were not very happy when this government initiated an administration of that union. Because it stood to disrupt their business model, and those criminal elements operate in a way to express their displeasure that maybe you and I wouldn’t operate in. I’ll just say that."
Security for Other Union Figures
Sally McManus, Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, also required personal security; however, Watt clarified that the government did not fund her protection.
Regarding the costs associated with security for the administrators, Watt emphasized the government's responsibility:
"The organised crime elements who have infiltrated the construction industry have made their profits by dealing with the union and some employers. Not just the union. And I think it is fair for the government to pay for protecting the life of someone who has taken on a role because of a decision of this parliament."
Security Measures and Threat Assessments
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, in coordination with the Department of Home Affairs, conducts regular security assessments and provides protection for the administrators. Sarah Godden, First Assistant Secretary of DEWR, stated that the threats against Irving were credible and posed a serious risk to his life:
"The AFP, while obviously not divulging, conveyed to us that the threats made against Irving’s life were not only credible but by people with the means and motive to carry them out."
Union Administration and Future Direction
Michael Crosby expressed gratitude towards Mark Irving for his efforts in reforming the union and indicated that the CFMEU is entering a new phase:
"This implementation stage requires a different set of skills within the administration and within the union."
The CFMEU was placed into administration by the federal government in 2024 following allegations that it operated as a criminal syndicate. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) currently have three ongoing investigations into unlawful conduct within the building industry.
