Overview
- Fair Work Commission records show 1,050 reports since mid-2024, about 600 linked to Victorian sites, alleging intimidation, nepotism and ghost wages on major projects.
- More than 400 matters have been referred to agencies including the Fair Work Ombudsman, Australian Federal Police, ACCC, AEC and the Victorian Labour Hire Authority.
- Geoffrey Watson SC’s report named John Setka, Joe Myles and Mick Gatto and estimated a roughly $15 billion cost to Victoria’s Big Build, a figure disputed by the premier but described as consistent with evidence by FWC general manager Murray Furlong.
- CFMEU administrator Mark Irving initially removed sections of Watson’s report on government knowledge and the cost estimate before later supplying them to Queensland’s inquiry.
- Premier Jacinta Allan again ruled out a royal commission as senior CFMEU administrator Michael Flinn conceded decades of attempts to curb criminal influence had failed and urged sector-wide integrity reforms.