The Resignation That Shakes the CFMEU to Its Core
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through Australia's industrial landscape, Mark Irving KC, the barrister tasked with purging corruption from the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), has resigned as administrator. Announced on April 27, 2026, Irving's departure comes after 20 months of intense efforts to reform one of the nation's most notorious unions. The CFMEU leadership crisis, already marred by allegations of criminal infiltration, violence, and billions in taxpayer losses, now faces fresh uncertainty as the union transitions to new hands.
Irving, a seasoned senior counsel specializing in employment and industrial law, was appointed in August 2024 by the Fair Work Commission amid explosive media exposés on the CFMEU's Construction and General Division. These revelations painted a picture of a union rotten with bikie links, standover tactics on building sites, and cozy ties to organized crime figures. Projects like Victoria's Big Build were allegedly inflated by up to $15 billion due to union misconduct, prompting federal intervention under the Albanese government.
His resignation memo to members emphasized that while the initial clean-up phase had succeeded in changing personnel and culture, the 'rebuild' stage demanded skills from an experienced union professional. 'The Union is changing its personnel. It is changing its culture. It is regaining its position in civil society,' Irving wrote, signaling progress but acknowledging the marathon ahead.
Background: How the CFMEU Imploded into Crisis
The CFMEU, representing over 140,000 workers in construction, mining, and related sectors, has long been a powerhouse in Australian labor. However, under former Victorian secretary John Setka, who resigned in 2024 amid mounting scandals, the union became synonymous with thuggery. Reports detailed organizers extorting developers, delaying sites for payoffs, and associating with underworld identities like Mick Gatto.
Geoffrey Watson SC's bombshell report, 'Rotting from the Top,' commissioned by Irving, exposed systemic corruption during the Setka era. Redacted sections, released in February 2026, alleged Victoria Police officers drummed out for corruption found refuge in union ranks, with taxpayer-funded projects like Cross River Rail ballooning from $5.4 billion to $19 billion partly due to union disruptions.
Queensland's commission of inquiry, resuming April 28, 2026, heard how union violence was a 'cancer,' with organizers under duress from bikies. Nationally, over 1,000 complaints flooded the Fair Work Ombudsman, including death threats to builders.
Irving's Tenure: Sackings, Probes, and Hard-Won Victories
Irving hit the ground running, wielding broad powers to suspend officials, terminate memberships, and launch probes. Key achievements included:
- Suspending eight Queensland organizers and terminating memberships of leaders like Michael Ravbar and Jade Ingham for violence.
- Sacking over 270 officials nationwide, including high-profile figures like John Perkovic amid kickback allegations, referring matters to federal police.
- Overhauling policies to sever gangland ties and releasing Watson's full report despite pushback.
- Navigating a High Court challenge from ousted leaders, securing victory in June 2025.
- Rebuilding employer relations and positioning the union for democratic elections.
These moves, detailed in bi-annual reports to parliament, marked tangible progress, though critics noted delays.First Bi-Annual Report of the CFMEU Administrator
Victoria: The Beating Heart of the Scandal
Victoria's branch, under multiple short-lived leaders post-Setka—Graeme McCulloch (weeks), Zach Smith (18 months), Nigel Davies (three months)—epitomized the turmoil. Watson's report claimed government indifference enabled a 'hateful, greedy rabble,' costing $15 billion. Allegations included rigged tenders, threats to ministers over contracts, and firebombings targeting non-compliant firms.
Premier Jacinta Allan faced calls for a royal commission, which she rebuffed, while opposition MPs decried cover-ups. Irving's referrals to Victoria Police, AFP, and IBAC underscored the depth of criminality.
The Personal Toll: Threats, Heart Attacks, and Criticism
Irving's service came at great cost. He endured two heart attacks, requiring hospitalization in May 2025, and lived under 24/7 security amid death threats. Opposition figures demanded his sacking in February 2026 over alleged 'industrial-scale cover-up' in redacting Watson's report—sections later released under pressure.
Despite this, industry groups like the Australian Constructors Association praised 'really good progress,' noting Irving's structural reforms laid foundations for stability.
Zach Smith's Dramatic Exit Exposed
January 2026 saw national secretary Zach Smith, a government-backed reformer, quit citing 'personal reasons.' Revelations show misconduct: a consensual but imbalanced relationship with a subordinate, lies to Irving, and concerns from another staffer. Irving's February probe announcement preceded his own exit, highlighting leadership instability.
Smith's park meeting with Mick Gatto and promotions of questionable figures drew ire.
Michael Crosby: The Union Veteran Takes the Reins
Irving delegated powers to Michael Crosby, NSW executive officer who reformed that branch post-Darren Greenfield's jailing for bribes. Crosby, respected for calling out criminals, steps into the national role immediately. In Victoria, Matt McGowan, a non-construction unionist, leads; Karma Lord fills NSW vacancy.
Reformists hail this as a coup, positioning the CFMEU to avoid deregistration.ABC on Queensland inquiry
Political and Industry Reactions
The Albanese government thanked Irving for 'significant work,' affirming continuity. Opposition pushes deregistration or royal commission, citing unfinished business. Builders welcome personnel changes but demand stricter delegate tests, new codes, and WHS reforms.
ACTU and Labor ties strain as scandals erode public trust in unions.
Photo by Nikolas Gannon on Unsplash
Future Outlook: Rebuild or Relapse?
With Queensland inquiry ongoing, firebombings persisting, and elections looming, Crosby faces tests. Success hinges on cultural shift, employer pacts, and stamping out crime. The CFMEU leadership crisis underscores broader construction woes: productivity lags, costs soar amid labor shortages.
Stakeholders urge vigilance; failure risks royal commissions or bans from sites, hitting housing and infrastructure goals.
Implications for Workers, Builders, and Taxpayers
For members, reforms promise integrity but risk militancy dilution. Builders eye stability for $60bn pipeline. Taxpayers demand accountability after alleged billions lost. The saga highlights union power's double edge in Australia's building boom.
As Crosby steers the ship, the CFMEU's redemption arc hangs in balance amid unrelenting scrutiny.Fair Work Commission on administration role
