The administrator appointed to oversee the Victorian branch of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), Michael Crosby, has sensationally revealed he was subjected to threats from the union's controversial former head, John Setka. Crosby, speaking on ABC News Australia, urged authorities to "take them seriously," painting a troubling picture of the internal dynamics of one of Australia's most influential unions.
Crosby's candid remarks not only expose a significant fault line within the CFMEU but also cast doubt on a public statement attributed to former Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, further escalating the controversy. His criticisms extend beyond the union's inner circle, questioning the fundamental value and effectiveness of royal commissions as a tool for reform.
Administrator Alleges Direct Threats
Appointed by the Federal Court last year to address a myriad of issues within the CFMEU's Victorian branch, including allegations of financial impropriety and governance failures, Michael Crosby’s role is to ensure the union operates within legal and ethical boundaries. His admission of being threatened by Setka underscores the high-stakes nature of this administrative oversight. While the specific nature of the alleged threats remains unelaborated in reports, Crosby's insistence that they be taken seriously suggests a significant level of concern for his safety or the integrity of his work.
The revelation arrives amid ongoing scrutiny of Setka, whose leadership has often been characterised by confrontational tactics and legal battles. His tenure as state secretary was marked by numerous controversies, culminating in his departure following a high-profile legal dispute with the union. Crosby’s allegations indicate that even in his absence from formal leadership, Setka's influence and potential to disrupt remain potent.
Premier's Statement Under Scrutiny
A further twist in this unfolding saga involves a statement made by former Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan. While the precise content of Allan's statement was not detailed by ABC News Australia, Crosby publicly questioned its veracity. This direct challenge by a court-appointed administrator to a senior political figure’s narrative is highly unusual and suggests a fundamental disagreement over facts or events surrounding the union's internal affairs or its relationship with the state government.
Jacinta Allan served as Premier only recently, and any perceived misrepresentation on her part, particularly concerning the oversight of a major union undergoing reform, could attract considerable public and political scrutiny. Crosby's willingness to openly challenge such a statement highlights his commitment to transparency and accountability, potentially placing him in direct opposition to powerful political and industrial figures.
Royal Commissions: A Question of Value
Beyond the immediate internal disputes of the CFMEU, Michael Crosby also raised broader questions about the utility of royal commissions. Australia has a history of utilising royal commissions to investigate matters of significant public concern, often leading to widespread policy and legislative reforms. The Heydon Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption, for instance, significantly impacted the CFMEU and led to the very legal actions that resulted in Crosby's appointment.
Crosby's scepticism regarding their value, especially in light of his current experience, suggests a disillusionment with the long-term effectiveness of such inquiries. While royal commissions meticulously document problems and propose solutions, their recommendations are not always fully implemented, or their impact may be diluted over time. His comments imply that despite their significant cost and effort, the fundamental issues they aim to address, particularly within complex organisations like the CFMEU, may persist or re-emerge in different forms. This critique calls into question whether these extensive inquiries truly deliver lasting change or merely provide a temporary respite from deeply entrenched problems within certain Australian institutions.
