Draft:Darren Greenfield (CFMEU)

• Comment: See Draft:Darren Greenfield. Gheus (talk) 21:39, 22 March 2025 (UTC)

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Darren Greenfield
NSW CFMEU State Secretary

Darren Greenfield is a former trade union official who served as the New South Wales state secretary of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU). His time in office has been marred by extensive media coverage and multiple allegations of corruption, including claims of bribery and the misappropriation of union funds. Greenfield, along with other senior CFMEU officials, has faced legal proceedings related to these allegations, which he and his supporters have consistently denied.

Early life and union career

He rose through the ranks of the CFMEU and eventually assumed the role of state secretary for New South Wales, where he was responsible for negotiating with employers, representing union members in industrial disputes, and managing internal union governance. He was a scaffolder and a member of the branch committee of management prior to becoming an official..

CFMEU leadership and internal governance

During his tenure as state secretary, Greenfield emerged as one of the union’s most prominent and polarizing figures. His leadership was characterized by fierce internal debates and external scrutiny. Critics claimed that decisions made by the union’s branch committee of management during his administration were driven by personal interests rather than the welfare of the membership.

Corruption allegations and legal proceedings

Greenfield’s period in office has been dogged by numerous allegations of corruption. The following sections summarize the major claims and legal developments:

Unusual Evidence: Toilet Drawer Pickup

In a controversial revelation during the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption, it was alleged that CFMEU official Darren Greenfield received items described as "documents"—though some reports suggest cash—from a drawer in the toilet at the residence of underworld figure George Alex. A 2015 article in The Australian Financial Review reported that text messages referring to a "toilet first draw" were interpreted as evidence that Mr. Alex was arranging such a payment.. Similarly, the Herald Sun reported that a man with links to terrorists and a senior CFMEU official may have acted criminally over secret payments left in a toilet, as heard by the Royal Commission. Furthermore, a 2015 report by 9News indicated that commission lawyers recommended adverse findings against union officials based on this evidence.

Bribery charges and allegations of kickbacks

In 2021, media reports indicated that Darren Greenfield and his son, Michael Greenfield, were arrested and charged with bribery offences. According to these reports, the charges related to allegations that they received kickbacks from a construction firm in exchange for preferential treatment on building sites. Greenfield was charged with counts of receiving or soliciting a corrupt benefit while his son faced similar charges along with allegations of making a false declaration.

In July 2024, explosive allegations surfaced regarding misconduct by the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) and its connections to the industry superannuation fund, Cbus. Reports indicated that CFMEU officials allegedly boasted about their influence over Cbus's business decisions, including the selection of subcontractors. These revelations intensified political scrutiny, with Coalition Senator Andrew Bragg criticizing the financial ties between Cbus and the CFMEU, labeling them as "ugly" and questioning the appropriateness of over a million dollars in payments from Cbus to the union, including a $250,000 sponsorship to the Victorian branch of the CFMEU. Bragg further called for the resignation of Cbus chair Wayne Swan, citing a conflict of interest due to his simultaneous role as president of the federal Australian Labor Party.

Additionally, Mark Greenfield, Darren's son— is listed as a contact person for Cbus Super, with his contact information provided in Cbus's June 2024 newsletter.

Intimidation, Death Threats, and Alleged Misuse of Commission Powers

In addition to the allegations regarding bribery and the misappropriation of union funds, there have been reports of serious intimidation and death threats within the union. In February 2018, it was reported that a union official—who had previously denied bribery allegations—assumed control of the CFMEU amid ongoing concerns about corruption and internal intimidation.

Furthermore, ABC News reported in October 2014 that NSW construction union head Brian Parker was heard issuing threatening messages to union officials, with some accounts noting that the language used amounted to death threats and severe intimidation tactics. In a related development, another ABC News report from October 2014 accused Jim Byrnes of using the royal commission process as a tool to intimidate union members, alleging that he misused his position and the commission’s powers to further these ends.

Together, these reports highlight a broader pattern of alleged intimidation and misconduct within the union leadership, contributing to the controversies surrounding union governance and the subsequent legal and political interventions.

Misuse of union funds for legal defence

Investigative reports by corruption buster Geoffrey Watson, SC, commissioned by CFMEU administrator Mark Irving, have alleged that union funds were misdirected to cover the legal defence costs of the bribery charges. These reports claim that:

• Approximately US$3.15 million was transferred from union members' funds to cover legal fees for Greenfield and his son
• The transfer was executed by the union's branch committee of management on 19 July 2024, shortly after the Albanese government announced that the CFMEU construction division would be placed into administration.
• The funds were transferred to the law firm McGirr & Associates based on an estimated fee schedule—detailed in internal meeting minutes—that totaled approximately US$3.15 million. These estimates included counsel fees of nearly US$30,000 per day and additional charges for junior counsel.
• Further, the report recommended that up to US$895,000 already spent on legal defence fees should be recovered and that the actions of Greenfield, his son, former NSW CFMEU president Rita Mallia, and ex-assistant secretary Rob Kera warrant both criminal prosecution and civil penalty proceedings.

Legal delays and High Court challenge

Greenfield and his son have repeatedly sought delays in entering pleas. In December 2024, their legal teams secured a postponement of the fraud charges pending a decision on a High Court challenge regarding the administration of the CFMEU and the funding arrangements for their defence costs. If the challenge is successful, Greenfield could potentially regain his union position and use union funds for his defence.

Media coverage, protests, and public reaction

Media coverage of Greenfield’s tenure and the subsequent allegations has been extensive and polarizing. Notable points include:

• Extensive reporting by The Australian, ABC News, and other outlets on the alleged diversion of union funds and internal governance failures.
• Public protests in which Greenfield himself was a featured speaker. In one protest, as reported by the Daily Telegraph, Greenfield declared, "You'll never shut me up," rallying union members who denounced what they termed a "dirty rotten Labor government" for its intervention in the union.
• Federal and state government figures, including Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt and Premier Chris Minns, have condemned the alleged misappropriation of funds, with some officials calling for criminal charges and the recovery of misappropriated monies.

Resignations and subsequent developments

Amid the mounting controversy:

• In August 2024, NSW CFMEU Assistant Secretary Michael Greenfield resigned from his role amid corruption allegations and intense media scrutiny.
• The legal proceedings involving Darren and Michael Greenfield have been delayed multiple times, including further adjournments requested by their legal representatives.
• Additional internal investigations, including inquiries into alleged misuse of CCTV footage and the removal of union delegates, have been initiated by CFMEU administrator Mark Irving.

Reactions from government and industry

Government officials have been vocal about the need to restore integrity within the union:

• Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt has described the allegations and fund transfers as a "shocking indictment" of the former leadership’s contempt for its members.
• Premier Chris Minns and other Labor figures have moved to sever ties with the union’s construction division and supported the appointment of an independent administrator.
• Industry groups such as the Victorian Building Industry Group of Unions have even warned of potential work stoppages if union officials are threatened by organized crime, underscoring the broader impact of the scandal.

External links

• Michael Greenfield (rugby league) – Provides additional context on union involvement.