Two senior NSW Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) officials have reportedly been charged by police, the union’s national boss announced this morning.
“Australian Federal Police task force charged two officials from the CFMEU NSW construction division with criminal offences,” the CFMEU National Construction Secretary, Dave Noonan said in a statement.
The pair facing charges are NSW CFMEU Secretary, Darren Greenfield and his son, Assistant State Secretary, Michael Greenfield.
“The union was aware that the Australian Federal & NSW Police taskforce has today charged two officials from the NSW CFMEU Construction division with criminal offences. It is important to note that these officials voluntarily attended the office of the task force to assist with their enquiry.”
“Both deny the allegations and will vehemently contest the charges,” Mr Noonan said.
“The CFMEU construction division unequivocally support Darren and Mick and ask that like all Australians they be entitled to the presumption of innocence while the legal process takes its course.
“It should be noted that this police task force exists as an outcome of the Heydon Trade Union Royal Commission and on three previous occasions charges laid against union officials after investigations by this same task force were withdrawn before trial.”
The union boss described the progression to criminal charges as a “witch hunt” against its officials. The pair were the subject of police raids in November last year.
“This ongoing witch hunt for nothing but political gain has resulted in damage to the reputations of innocent people who have been victimised for doing their jobs and has caused their family’s unwarranted distress.”
“We ask the media to bear this in mind when reporting these allegations and to not let this become a case of trial by media but instead allow the legal process to take its course,” said Mr Noonan.
A CFMEU media spokesperson declined to outline details of the charges against the two men. The AFP is expected to release details later today.
