Draft:Darren Greenfield (unionist)

• Comment: The majority of the article talks about potentially defamatory material. I would ask that the referencing is improved significantly. CF-501 Falcon (talk · contribs) 16:29, 2 April 2025 (UTC)

• 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 trade union official who served as the New South Wales state secretary of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU).

Darren Greenfield is an Australian trade union official who served as the New South Wales State Secretary of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU). His tenure has been marked by multiple investigations and legal proceedings related to alleged misconduct and governance issues within the union.

Early Career

Greenfield began his career as a scaffolder and became involved in union activities through the CFMEU. He served on the union’s Branch Committee of Management before being elected as the New South Wales State Secretary. In this role, he was responsible for representing workers in industrial disputes, negotiating with employers, and overseeing internal governance.

Royal Commission and Allegations of Misconduct

In 2015, Greenfield was named during the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption. The commission examined allegations that Greenfield may have received items—described as documents or cash—from a drawer in the bathroom of George Alex, a figure identified as having underworld connections. Text messages referencing a "toilet first draw" were presented as potential evidence. Greenfield denied receiving any cash, stating that Alex would leave documents for collection.

Removal from CFMEU Leadership

In July 2024, the Australian federal government placed the Construction and General Division of the CFMEU under administration following allegations of corruption and links to organized crime within the union's leadership. Victorian barrister Mark Irving KC was appointed as the independent administrator by the Fair Work Commission. As part of the administration process, numerous union officials were dismissed from their positions, including New South Wales State Secretary Darren Greenfield. Greenfield publicly criticized the administration, asserting that it was an attempt to undermine the union's autonomy.

Bribery Charges

In 2021, Greenfield and his son, Michael Greenfield, were arrested and charged with bribery offences. The charges pertained to allegations that they received kickbacks from a construction firm in exchange for preferential treatment on building sites. Both men denied the allegations.

CFMEU–CBUS Allegations

In July 2024, allegations emerged regarding the relationship between the CFMEU and the construction industry superannuation fund, CBUS. Reports indicated that CFMEU officials claimed influence over CBUS’s business decisions, including subcontractor selection. Senator Andrew Bragg criticized the financial ties between CBUS and the CFMEU, calling for the resignation of CBUS chair Wayne Swan due to potential conflicts of interest arising from his concurrent role as president of the Australian Labor Party.

Use of Union Funds for Legal Defence

In September 2024, an interim report by barrister Geoffrey Watson SC, commissioned by CFMEU administrator Mark Irving, alleged that approximately AU$3.15 million of union funds were used to cover legal defence costs for Greenfield and his son. The report recommended that up to AU$895,000 already spent should be recovered and that the actions of Greenfield, his son, and other former CFMEU officials warranted both criminal prosecution and civil penalty proceedings.

Legal Proceedings and Delays

As of December 2024, Darren and Michael Greenfield had not entered formal pleas. Their legal teams secured multiple adjournments pending a High Court challenge concerning the administration of the CFMEU and the legality of using union funds for their defence.

Resignations and Ongoing Investigations

In August 2024, Darren's son Michael Greenfield resigned from his position as Assistant Secretary of the NSW CFMEU amid ongoing legal proceedings and media scrutiny. Investigations into further governance issues, including alleged misuse of surveillance footage and removal of union delegates, were ongoing as of early 2025.

Public and Political Response

Greenfield remained a public figure throughout the controversy, participating in union protests and public demonstrations. NSW Premier Chris Minns publicly stated that Greenfield should step down while facing bribery charges, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations.

Guilty Plea

On 29th of April 2025, Darren Greenfield and his son, Michael Greenfield, entered a guilty to bribery charges. This was for soliciting and accepting payments from a building company owner in exchange for preferential treatment from the union and access to building contracts. Darren Greenfield was charged with four counts of receiving or soliciting a corrupt benefit but pled guilty to two counts after the withdrawal of two charges. A police camera hidden in the ceiling of the CFMEU's Sydney office captured thousands of dollars in cash being handed over to guarantee union support on a building site..

External links

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