The union, which had been actively involved in the labour hire business for decades, was allegedly involved in the construction of a network of shell companies, the creation of fake employment contracts, and the manipulation of wages. This activity was allegedly carried out with the knowledge of senior CFMEU figures, who allegedly colluded with Alex to secure lucrative contracts for his labour hire business. This included a secret meeting held in a hotel room in Melbourne.
He cultivated relationships with them through social events, dinners, and golf outings. He also used his wealth to influence union officials, offering them expensive gifts and lavish vacations. The Alex empire’s influence on the CFMEU is a significant concern, as it has been linked to a number of alleged criminal activities, including fraud, money laundering, and corruption.
The meeting between Alex and Greenfield took place at a private residence. The meeting lasted for approximately 30 minutes. The details of the meeting were not made public. Following the meeting, Alex was seen leaving the residence and driving away in a black sedan. He was later apprehended by police.
The union official’s continued support for these firms, despite the allegations of corruption, raises serious questions about the CFMEU’s commitment to ethical conduct and its ability to effectively regulate the construction industry. This situation highlights the potential for conflicts of interest and the need for robust oversight mechanisms to prevent such situations from arising in the future. The union official’s actions also raise concerns about the CFMEU’s internal culture and its ability to address issues of corruption within its ranks.