The building industry has been hit by controversy following reports that union officials are making corrupt deals to help companies linked to organised crime secure construction contracts.

Victoria's desalination plant and the Barangaroo development in Sydney are among a number of projects that companies connected to major crime figures are involved in, according to media reports.

The ABC said a joint investigation with Fairfax Media implicated a number of Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) members in New South Wales and Victoria in corrupt deals, including bribery and extortion.

It reported that Victorian CFMEU official, Danny Berardi, resigned immediately after the media companies supplied evidence that he had two companies help renovate his properties in exchange for getting them work on Melbourne construction sites.

CFMEU national secretary Dave Noonan said he was "concerned about any criminal activity in the industry", but that the union was not the regulator.

"These are issues for ASIC and the police force and we have consistently called on them to do their job," Mr Noonan said.

Australian Building Construction Commission chief Nigel Hadgkiss told the ABC he was aware of evidence about "the payment of bribes to senior union officials" in Victoria, but said police not previously acted on evidence of corruption in the industry.

He said the lack of action made way for criminals and corrupt officials, and that was "very frustrating".

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/union-hit-by-corrupt-deal-reports/story-fni0xqi3-1226811644107

Daily Terror  :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D

Wonder why they never expose the non union corruption and links to crime in the building industry where it really is rife.

Dnarever wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 6:25am:

Wonder why they never expose the non union corruption and links to crime in the building industry where it really is rife.

Could it be because the unions effectively run the building industry? Shock, horror!!!  :o

Could it be that Armpit is desperately looking for a way to deflect?

Unions are not the main building contractors.

Safety on construction sites is abysmal.

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 6:29am:

Dnarever wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 6:25am: Wonder why they never expose the non union corruption and links to crime in the building industry where it really is rife. Could it be because the unions effectively run the building industry? Shock, horror!!!

BS.

[smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif] [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 5:43am:

The building industry has been hit by controversy following reports that union officials are making corrupt deals to help companies linked to organised crime secure construction contracts. Victoria's desalination plant and the Barangaroo development in Sydney are among a number of projects that companies connected to major crime figures are involved in, according to media reports. The ABC said a joint investigation with Fairfax Media implicated a number of Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) members in New South Wales and Victoria in corrupt deals, including bribery and extortion. It reported that Victorian CFMEU official, Danny Berardi, resigned immediately after the media companies supplied evidence that he had two companies help renovate his properties in exchange for getting them work on Melbourne construction sites. CFMEU national secretary Dave Noonan said he was "concerned about any criminal activity in the industry", but that the union was not the regulator. "These are issues for ASIC and the police force and we have consistently called on them to do their job," Mr Noonan said. Australian Building Construction Commission chief Nigel Hadgkiss told the ABC he was aware of evidence about "the payment of bribes to senior union officials" in Victoria, but said police not previously acted on evidence of corruption in the industry. He said the lack of action made way for criminals and corrupt officials, and that was "very frustrating". http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/union-hit-by-corrupt-deal-reports/story-fni0xqi3-1226811644107

CFMEU runs labor in victoria.

A vote for labor is a vote for the CFMEU.

Looks like newman has got it right in queensland.

No wonder the ETU and MUA are funding the bikies defence.

Abbott needs to call the RC soon.

CFMEU haven't been to the police because they found no instances of corruption.

hahahahahahhahahhaaha :D

I was a member of the CFMEU, I has a health and safety issue onsite and they never helped at all, perhaps now I know why.

No wonder Gillard Labor got rid of the building watchdog.

St George of the Garden wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 6:16am:

Daily Terror  :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D

Crime figures Bilal Fatrouni and George Alex
Union accused of ties to crime figures, kickbacks for jobs
By national reporting team's Dan Oakes
Union officials have formed corrupt relationships with organised crime figures, receiving kickbacks in exchange for arranging lucrative contracts in the construction industry.

A joint investigation by ABC's 7.30 program and Fairfax Media has discovered that bribery, extortion and threats of violence are used to cement the influence of crime figures on Australia's construction sites.

Companies connected to major crime figures have won contracts on private and government projects, including Victoria's desalination plant and the Barangaroo development in Sydney.

Evidence including covertly recorded conversations, bank records, police intelligence files and whistleblower accounts implicate a number of senior CFMEU members in corruption.

The CFMEU national executive has also launched an internal investigation into the influence of Sydney crime figure George Alex (pictured, right) in the union's NSW arm.

More ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D  YOUR ABC AND FAIR FAX  REPORT ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

So now the ABC is a sterling organisation?

St George of the Garden wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 8:41am:

So now the ABC is a sterling organisation?

LOL

It’s being reported everywhere.

And now you look stooopid…..hahahahahahaha

:D :D

St George of the Garden wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 8:41am:

So now the ABC is a sterling organisation?

Crime figures Bilal Fatrouni and George Alex
Union accused of ties to crime figures, kickbacks for jobs
By national reporting team's Dan Oakes
Union officials have formed corrupt relationships with organised crime figures, receiving kickbacks in exchange for arranging lucrative contracts in the construction industry.

A joint investigation by ABC's 7.30 program and Fairfax Media has discovered that bribery, extortion and threats of violence are used to cement the influence of crime figures on Australia's construction sites.

Companies connected to major crime figures have won contracts on private and government projects, including Victoria's desalination plant and the Barangaroo development in Sydney.

Evidence including covertly recorded conversations, bank records, police intelligence files and whistleblower accounts implicate a number of senior CFMEU members in corruption.

The CFMEU national executive has also launched an internal investigation into the influence of Sydney crime figure George Alex (pictured, right) in the union's NSW arm.

More   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

FriYAY wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 8:45am:

St George of the Garden wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 8:41am: So now the ABC is a sterling organisation? LOL It’s being reported everywhere. And now you look stooopid…..hahahahahahaha :D :D

Crime figures Bilal Fatrouni and George Alex
Union accused of ties to crime figures, kickbacks for jobs
By national reporting team's Dan Oakes
Union officials have formed corrupt relationships with organised crime figures, receiving kickbacks in exchange for arranging lucrative contracts in the construction industry.

A joint investigation by ABC's 7.30 program and Fairfax Media has discovered that bribery, extortion and threats of violence are used to cement the influence of crime figures on Australia's construction sites.

Companies connected to major crime figures have won contracts on private and government projects, including Victoria's desalination plant and the Barangaroo development in Sydney.

Evidence including covertly recorded conversations, bank records, police intelligence files and whistleblower accounts implicate a number of senior CFMEU members in corruption.

The CFMEU national executive has also launched an internal investigation into the influence of Sydney crime figure George Alex (pictured, right) in the union's NSW arm.

More ;D ;D ;D ;D

AWU scandal
HSU scandal
CFMEU scandal
Bikies/Organised Crime
Building union took bribes


Royal C Tony

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 5:43am:

The building industry has been hit by controversy following reports that union officials are making corrupt deals to help companies linked to organised crime secure construction contracts. Victoria's desalination plant and the Barangaroo development in Sydney are among a number of projects that companies connected to major crime figures are involved in, according to media reports. The ABC said a joint investigation with Fairfax Media implicated a number of Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) members in New South Wales and Victoria in corrupt deals, including bribery and extortion. It reported that Victorian CFMEU official, Danny Berardi, resigned immediately after the media companies supplied evidence that he had two companies help renovate his properties in exchange for getting them work on Melbourne construction sites. CFMEU national secretary Dave Noonan said he was "concerned about any criminal activity in the industry", but that the union was not the regulator. "These are issues for ASIC and the police force and we have consistently called on them to do their job," Mr Noonan said. Australian Building Construction Commission chief Nigel Hadgkiss told the ABC he was aware of evidence about "the payment of bribes to senior union officials" in Victoria, but said police not previously acted on evidence of corruption in the industry. He said the lack of action made way for criminals and corrupt officials, and that was "very frustrating". http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/union-hit-by-corrupt-deal-reports/story-fni0xqi3-1226811644107

bump

I wonder what bill shorten thinks of this corruption?

Funny that. He's just left for an overseas trip.

bogarde73 wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 1:13pm:

Funny that. He's just left for an overseas trip.

Off overseas on a taxpayer junket with his token wife.

Little bill wont last long.

Just imagine how much better off this Country would be without
Corrupt Labor & Unions hindering industry & construction.

Gotta love the way AP slams the ABC for bias, then uses a report by them to slam the abc/unions.   Hypocrite?

The Abbott government will launch a royal commission into union corruption which goes further than the coalition flagged before the federal election.

The coalition went to the 2013 election promising to restore the building and construction industry watchdog and hold a judicial inquiry specifically into fraud allegations against the Australian Workers Union.

But Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Tuesday said recent reports of other alleged corruption in the trade union movement meant that a 'full inquiry' was required.

A joint ABC-Fairfax Media investigation claims union officials are making corrupt deals to help companies linked to organised crime secure construction contracts.

Victoria's desalination plant and the Barangaroo development in Sydney are among a number of projects in which companies connected to major crime figures reportedly are involved.

Mr Abbott said he had been following the issue during the past few weeks and months, noting there had been calls including from those inside the union movement for a full inquiry.

He said a royal commission was a form of judicial inquiry.

The prime minister said the new reports of bribery and kickbacks also demonstrated the need for the re-establishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission.

'Once you've got a strong cop on the beat, the whole culture of an industry improves,' he told reporters in Canberra.

The former Labor government dumped the ABCC in favour of a Fair Work inspectorate and together with the Australian Greens is blocking legislation for its re-establishment.

Master Builders Australia also wants the ABCC brought back, although it noted the commission didn't have powers to directly act against criminal behaviour.

Labor says police are best placed to deal with corruption or crime.

'If there's anything of a criminal dimension in this sector then that should be investigated by the police, not by public servants or by new bodies,' opposition workplace spokesman Brendan O'Connor said.

Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) national secretary Dave Noonan said his union would act immediately if it was made aware of any improper, illegal, corrupt or criminal activity by officials.

The union had terminated the employment of officials who had engaged in such activity in the past, he said.

'We would not hesitate to do so in the future, if warranted.'

The Victorian CFMEU last week sacked an organiser on the grounds of misconduct, branch secretary John Setka confirmed on Tuesday.

The government may also examine rules relating to union donations to political parties as part of a review of the 2013 federal election, which is the subject of a parliamentary committee inquiry.

Mr Abbott said any decision on electoral reform would wait until after the committee reported.

http://www.skynews.com.au/topstories/article.aspx?id=945603&cid=BP_RSS_TOPSTORIES_1_Governmentflagsbroaderunioninquiry_280114

ABOUT TIME!!!  :)

The five existing Threads not good enough?

Yeah, how unusual for Libs to bash unions  ::)

Nothing to do with ACTU starting to take it up to the shambles, nothing to do with the simian needing to distract from all his gaffes  ::)


Quote:

Interesting that the story on corruption in the building industry is focused directly on “corrupt union officials ” with ( it seems so far ) no focus on the companies involved. If the allegations about multimillion dollar contracts etc are true then some pretty big companies must be involved. How far up the food chains of these companies does corruption go ? Directors, CEO’s etc etc ? If government contracts are involved then how far into government does the corruption go ? Many questions and the potential for many players to be involved, not just unions. Union bashing is the flavor of the month it seems. If union officials are involved then by all means go for them but lets make sure everyone involved is targeted. Interesting to see how the various industry groups respond and how much digging into the involvement of leading business leaders is done. Very little I would think. [My emphasis] Can’t beat a good union bashing.

http://pbxmastragics.com/2014/01/25/an-australia-day-confession/comment-page-3/#comment-116116

Is there a particular reason we need a royal commission instead of a police investigation?

St George of the Garden wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 5:22pm:

Yeah, how unusual for Libs to bash unions  ::) Nothing to do with ACTU starting to take it up to the shambles, nothing to do with the simian needing to distract from all his gaffes  ::) Quote: Interesting that the story on corruption in the building industry is focused directly on “corrupt union officials ” with ( it seems so far ) no focus on the companies involved. If the allegations about multimillion dollar contracts etc are true then some pretty big companies must be involved. How far up the food chains of these companies does corruption go ? Directors, CEO’s etc etc ? If government contracts are involved then how far into government does the corruption go ? Many questions and the potential for many players to be involved, not just unions. Union bashing is the flavor of the month it seems. If union officials are involved then by all means go for them but lets make sure everyone involved is targeted. Interesting to see how the various industry groups respond and how much digging into the involvement of leading business leaders is done. Very little I would think. [My emphasis] Can’t beat a good union bashing. http://pbxmastragics.com/2014/01/25/an-australia-day-confession/comment-page-3/#comment-116116

Take it up with
Fair Fax an
your abc  WATCH THE SEVEN THIRTY REPORT TONIGHT

;) ;) ;) ;)

Stratos wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 5:25pm:

Is there a particular reason we need a royal commission instead of a police investigation?

Yeah, it's so they can have a witch hunt and line the pockets of well-connected people in the Liberal party. Looks like a job for someone in the Melbourne Club again...

Bam wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 5:36pm:

Stratos wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 5:25pm: Is there a particular reason we need a royal commission instead of a police investigation? Yeah, it's so they can have a witch hunt and line the pockets of well-connected people in the Liberal party. Looks like a job for someone in the Melbourne Club again...

Yeah, guess the simian is not liking the polls overmuch  ;D

I can give him some advice:

1. Repair relations with Indonesia

2. Stop demonising ASs

3. Run out the FTTh NBN

4. Act to support jobs, crawl from Canberra to Broadmeadows on bended knees to beg Holden to stay

Etc

Let us have a FULL enquiry:


Quote:

There has always been something very suss about the Gestapoish building industry regulator installed by Howard and Reith. Since it’s beginning, it has always seemed to be most interested in ensuring that Unions lose the right of entry to building sites to ensure safety for workers. There is no doubt that there have been occasions when some union officials have used safety issues to bludgeon construction companies into submission, and that is indefensible. But in what must be the most deadly industry in Australia, even more so than mining, locking union safety advocates out of the picture doesn’t seem like the highest priority to me. For a while, I lived next door to and became good friends with a big wig in the Canberra construction industry. He often commented on the thuggishness of some of the building union heavies. When I asked him what was the root of the problem he replied that it was an own goal by the construction industry in that they had either neglected some glaring problems within the industry or had in some cases explicitly employed some very undesirable persons as “muscle’ to be used in negotiations with employees, unions, building inspectors, competition, etc. As he put it, in a fight to the death, mild mannered negotiators become thin on the ground. One of the greatest needs of workers within the industry became having some body which could extract monies and other entitlements from “phoenix” contractors whose very modus operandi was to ensure that no such thing occurred. The industry would not do anything about these phoenix contractors, and would sometimes encourage them, Hard men from within the unions were voted into positions of power explicitly to combat their methods. For at least the last twenty years it has been obvious there has been a cancer within the construction industry and in the development industry. The roll call of organized crime figures, bikies, corrupt ex cops, painters and dockers etc all prominent within the “consultants to industry’ groups should have been a huge neon sign to the Police, AFP, probably ASIO, and most certainly the Howard/Reith building industry watchdog. The fact that the problem has been mostly ignored points to massive incompetence at best, serious corruption is more likely. The murder of Michael McGurk in Sydney opened a small door into the development industry which revealed a business rotten to the core. Murder, standover tactics, tax evasion on a massive scale, fraud on insurance, and all kinds of skullduggery were seen, but quickly covered again. I once had a friend who lived on the northern beaches of Sydney. He was approached by a developer who was an ex NRL player or ill repute to sell his house. He declined as he liked the location, his family was nearby etc etc. The developer then told him that no was not an option and if he didn’t sell he would have his legs broken, and if that didn’t convince him he would work his way through the family. My friend went to the Police and was told it would be best to sell as the developer was dangerous (mad was the term used), and so he did. He died from a heart attack soon after. There has been no watchdog instituted over the development industry by any Government, despite my story being a commonplace in the industry. Easier to go after the big bad Unions who react to the envoironment in which they find themselves.

http://pbxmastragics.com/2014/01/25/an-australia-day-confession/comment-page-4/#comment-116126

But easier to bash unions. Give work to some Lib lawyers.

Unions have a very important role to play on the Australia  landscape. Too often we see headlines of embedded corruption in their ranks, particularly the Building Industry.

Well run, fair minded Unions are great but we are seeing far too many examples of Union thuggery, corruption and criminality.

The last 10 Posts were moved here from Politicians Suck by perceptions_now.

LABOR needs to acknowledge there is corruption in the construction sector and get behind moves to resurrect the industry watchdog, Employment Minister Eric Abetz says.

Senator Abetz says the Australian people want the construction industry cleaned up and corruption weeded out.

But the Greens and Labor allowed the Australian Building and Corruption Commissioner (ABCC) to be dismantled and were using their numbers in the Senate to oppose government legislation to restore it, he said.

"The construction industry has had an unfortunate history of corruption, illegality, thuggery and standover tactics," the minister told AAP.

"That was all exposed by the Cole Royal Commission in a very thorough review about a decade ago."

A joint ABC and Fairfax Media investigation has found union officials are making corrupt deals to help companies linked to organised crime secure construction contracts.

Senator Abetz says the reports show corruption is still ingrained.

He said Labor had received $6 million from the Construction Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) and now needed to explain their objection to restoring the ABCC.

"Given the latest revelations by the ABC and the Fairfax media, the ALP simply simply no longer has any feathers to fly with in opposing the re-establishment of the ABCC," he said.

"The national interest should come first and that demands the re-establishment of the ABCC."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/abetz-says-labor-must-back-new-abcc/story-fni0xqi3-1226811761651

Labor has no excuses now. They have to back the ABCC or they're going to be seen as the pro-corruption party, if they aren't already.

Abetz has solid nazi genes.

One report, no charges laid let alone proved.

What about bastardry and corruption by the construction companies? The lack of safety standards meaning someone dies on a construction site every working day?

I would support an ABCC IF it investigated both sides, employer as well as employee, and was a hawk about safety issues. Not a star chamber for employees only, f*ck that.

There was that brick wall built by Grollo that collapsed and killed three passers by. Any investigation into that?

St George of the Garden wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 9:32am:

One report, no charges laid let alone proved. What about bastardry and corruption by the construction companies? The lack of safety standards meaning someone dies on a construction site every working day? I would support an ABCC IF it investigated both sides, employer as well as employee, and was a hawk about safety issues. Not a star chamber for employees only, f*ck that. There was that brick wall built by Grollo that collapsed and killed three passers by. Any investigation into that?

Worker fatalities

As at 22 January 2014, 7 Australian workers have been killed while at work.

With the occurrence of each work-related fatality, Safe Work Australia records information, updates statistics and prepares various reports.

The number of worker deaths listed on this page is based on initial media reports and is only a preliminary estimate for the number of people killed. Work-related status cannot be confirmed until the death is investigated by the appropriate authority. Once this has occurred, it is reported in Safe Work Australia’s Monthly Notifiable Fatality reports and Work-related Traumatic Injury Fatalities reports.

Year-to-date 2014: worker deaths by industry of workplacea


Industry of workplace

2012

2013

2014
Year to date


Transport, postal & warehousing 75 51 1
Agriculture, forestry & fishing 51 49 1
Construction 25 19 1
Manufacturing 17 13 0
Administrative & support services 7 1 0
Public administration & safety 6 5 0
Arts & recreation services 6 9 0
Miningb 5 10 2
Electricity, gas, water & waste services 4 6 0
Education & training 3 0 0
Health care & social assistance 2 2 1
Other services 3 4 0
Retail trade 2 7 0
Wholesale trade 2 4 0
Information media & telecommunications 0 1 0
Accommodation & food services 1 2 1
Financial & insurance services 1 1 0
Government administration & defence 1 1 0
Professional, scientific & technical services 1 0 0
Industry unknownc 4 0 0

Total worker deaths 212 185 7
a Ranked in descending order, and then on alphabetical order for industries with no fatalities.
b Mining fatalities include fatalities that occur in the coal mining, oil and gas extraction, metal ore mining, gravel and sand quarrying, and services to mining sectors.
c Includes notifiable fatalities that occurred overseas.

Safe Work Australia also collects and reports on a range of other work health and safety and workers compensation statistics.

View the Safe Work Australia statistics page.
   


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Initiatives

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 8:56am:

LABOR needs to acknowledge there is corruption in the construction sector and get behind moves to resurrect the industry watchdog, Employment Minister Eric Abetz says. Senator Abetz says the Australian people want the construction industry cleaned up and corruption weeded out. But the Greens and Labor allowed the Australian Building and Corruption Commissioner (ABCC) to be dismantled and were using their numbers in the Senate to oppose government legislation to restore it, he said. "The construction industry has had an unfortunate history of corruption, illegality, thuggery and standover tactics," the minister told AAP. "That was all exposed by the Cole Royal Commission in a very thorough review about a decade ago." A joint ABC and Fairfax Media investigation has found union officials are making corrupt deals to help companies linked to organised crime secure construction contracts. Senator Abetz says the reports show corruption is still ingrained. He said Labor had received $6 million from the Construction Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) and now needed to explain their objection to restoring the ABCC. "Given the latest revelations by the ABC and the Fairfax media, the ALP simply simply no longer has any feathers to fly with in opposing the re-establishment of the ABCC," he said. "The national interest should come first and that demands the re-establishment of the ABCC." http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/abetz-says-labor-must-back-new-abcc/story-fni0xqi3-1226811761651

A totally debunked and discredited Inquiry.  $70M and although Cole made many adverse findings (more than 300) against individuals, not one was even charged with an offence, let alone tried and convicted.  As Alan Jones said at the time, the best use to be made of the Cole tomes is as door stoppers.

Aussie wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 10:15am:

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 8:56am: LABOR needs to acknowledge there is corruption in the construction sector and get behind moves to resurrect the industry watchdog, Employment Minister Eric Abetz says. Senator Abetz says the Australian people want the construction industry cleaned up and corruption weeded out. But the Greens and Labor allowed the Australian Building and Corruption Commissioner (ABCC) to be dismantled and were using their numbers in the Senate to oppose government legislation to restore it, he said. "The construction industry has had an unfortunate history of corruption, illegality, thuggery and standover tactics," the minister told AAP. "That was all exposed by the Cole Royal Commission in a very thorough review about a decade ago." A joint ABC and Fairfax Media investigation has found union officials are making corrupt deals to help companies linked to organised crime secure construction contracts. Senator Abetz says the reports show corruption is still ingrained. He said Labor had received $6 million from the Construction Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) and now needed to explain their objection to restoring the ABCC. "Given the latest revelations by the ABC and the Fairfax media, the ALP simply simply no longer has any feathers to fly with in opposing the re-establishment of the ABCC," he said. "The national interest should come first and that demands the re-establishment of the ABCC." http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/abetz-says-labor-must-back-new-abcc/story-fni0xqi3-1226811761651 A totally debunked and discredited Inquiry.  $70M and although Cole made many adverse findings (more than 300) against individuals, not one was even charged with an offence, let alone tried and convicted.  As Alan Jones said at the time, the best use to be made of the Cole tomes is as door stoppers.

Hey Rick Shaw boy whose this ALAN JONES YOUR QUOTING

The Greens and Labor allowed the Australian Building and Corruption Commissioner (ABCC) to be dismantled and were using their numbers in the Senate to oppose government legislation to restore it, he said.      [smiley=thumbsup.gif]    

How many do you know, Mr 2013?

woody2014 wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 10:20am:

Aussie wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 10:15am: Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 8:56am: LABOR needs to acknowledge there is corruption in the construction sector and get behind moves to resurrect the industry watchdog, Employment Minister Eric Abetz says. Senator Abetz says the Australian people want the construction industry cleaned up and corruption weeded out. But the Greens and Labor allowed the Australian Building and Corruption Commissioner (ABCC) to be dismantled and were using their numbers in the Senate to oppose government legislation to restore it, he said. "The construction industry has had an unfortunate history of corruption, illegality, thuggery and standover tactics," the minister told AAP. "That was all exposed by the Cole Royal Commission in a very thorough review about a decade ago." A joint ABC and Fairfax Media investigation has found union officials are making corrupt deals to help companies linked to organised crime secure construction contracts. Senator Abetz says the reports show corruption is still ingrained. He said Labor had received $6 million from the Construction Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) and now needed to explain their objection to restoring the ABCC. "Given the latest revelations by the ABC and the Fairfax media, the ALP simply simply no longer has any feathers to fly with in opposing the re-establishment of the ABCC," he said. "The national interest should come first and that demands the re-establishment of the ABCC." http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/abetz-says-labor-must-back-new-abcc/story-fni0xqi3-1226811761651 A totally debunked and discredited Inquiry.  $70M and although Cole made many adverse findings (more than 300) against individuals, not one was even charged with an offence, let alone tried and convicted.  As Alan Jones said at the time, the best use to be made of the Cole tomes is as door stoppers. Hey Rick Shaw boy whose this ALAN JONES YOUR QUOTING

HILARIOUS>.. he tells it as it is when it suits.. ::) ::)

unbelievable.. ;D ;D

You are dead right AP. If Labor wants to have any claim to being a lawful party, standing for the rule of law, it must support the Abbott govt in re-establishing the Commission so that corruption can be rooted out from the unions.

bogarde73 wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 12:46pm:

You are dead right AP. If Labor wants to have any claim to being a lawful party, standing for the rule of law, it must support the Abbott govt in re-establishing the Commission so that corruption can be rooted out from the unions.

Are you alleging that Coppers are unable to deal with criminal conduct?

Situations arise from time to time - and wide-spread corruption in the building unions is one such - which require special measures.

The only thing that the ABCC achieved was to make building sites less safe places to work - they killed people.

Abetz and anyone else stupid enough to support this politically expedient train wreck is a fool.

Each and every year the ABCC was in place seen an increase in workplace accidents, a reversal of the trend of the previous 20 years.

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 8:56am:

LABOR needs to acknowledge there is corruption in the construction sector and get behind moves to resurrect the industry watchdog, Employment Minister Eric Abetz says. Senator Abetz says the Australian people want the construction industry cleaned up and corruption weeded out. But the Greens and Labor allowed the Australian Building and Corruption Commissioner (ABCC) to be dismantled and were using their numbers in the Senate to oppose government legislation to restore it, he said. "The construction industry has had an unfortunate history of corruption, illegality, thuggery and standover tactics," the minister told AAP. "That was all exposed by the Cole Royal Commission in a very thorough review about a decade ago." A joint ABC and Fairfax Media investigation has found union officials are making corrupt deals to help companies linked to organised crime secure construction contracts. Senator Abetz says the reports show corruption is still ingrained. He said Labor had received $6 million from the Construction Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) and now needed to explain their objection to restoring the ABCC. "Given the latest revelations by the ABC and the Fairfax media, the ALP simply simply no longer has any feathers to fly with in opposing the re-establishment of the ABCC," he said. "The national interest should come first and that demands the re-establishment of the ABCC." http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/abetz-says-labor-must-back-new-abcc/story-fni0xqi3-1226811761651

But hold on there AP,  You have stated many times that the ABC is biased and not a valid source to be quoted?????   so they/you have selective bias?

Dnarever wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 12:57pm:

The only thing that the ABCC achieved was to make building sites less safe places to work - they killed people. Abetz and anyone else stupid enough to support this politically expedient train wreck is a fool. Each and every year the ABCC was in place seen an increase in workplace accidents, a reversal of the trend of the previous 20 years.

I smell Labor/union fear. The days of the bully boy are drawing to a close.

bogarde73 wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 12:54pm:

Situations arise from time to time - and wide-spread corruption in the building unions is one such - which require special measures.

What 'special measures?'  Crime is for Coppers to handle. Relevant law already exists to deal with crime of any kind including any committed by a person who is a union member.  That is precisely why we have a Police force.

Cliff48 wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 12:58pm:

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 8:56am: LABOR needs to acknowledge there is corruption in the construction sector and get behind moves to resurrect the industry watchdog, Employment Minister Eric Abetz says. Senator Abetz says the Australian people want the construction industry cleaned up and corruption weeded out. But the Greens and Labor allowed the Australian Building and Corruption Commissioner (ABCC) to be dismantled and were using their numbers in the Senate to oppose government legislation to restore it, he said. "The construction industry has had an unfortunate history of corruption, illegality, thuggery and standover tactics," the minister told AAP. "That was all exposed by the Cole Royal Commission in a very thorough review about a decade ago." A joint ABC and Fairfax Media investigation has found union officials are making corrupt deals to help companies linked to organised crime secure construction contracts. Senator Abetz says the reports show corruption is still ingrained. He said Labor had received $6 million from the Construction Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) and now needed to explain their objection to restoring the ABCC. "Given the latest revelations by the ABC and the Fairfax media, the ALP simply simply no longer has any feathers to fly with in opposing the re-establishment of the ABCC," he said. "The national interest should come first and that demands the re-establishment of the ABCC." http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/abetz-says-labor-must-back-new-abcc/story-fni0xqi3-1226811761651 But hold on there AP,  You have stated many times that the ABC is biased and not a valid source to be quoted?????   so they/you have selective bias?

I was thinking the same thing. They assure us that ABC is bias.............and then use it as a source to attack the ALP

Aussie wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 1:02pm:

bogarde73 wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 12:54pm: Situations arise from time to time - and wide-spread corruption in the building unions is one such - which require special measures. What 'special measures?'  Crime is for Coppers to handle. Relevant law already exists to deal with crime of any kind including any committed by a person who is a union member.  That is precisely why we have a Police force.

There has always been more corruption in building companies than in building unions.

All the ABCC does is to nullify genuine union protections in favour of the real crooks.

And now Tony Abbott has added his weight to the argument:

"What today's revelations demonstrate is the absolute pressing need for the reestablishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission with full power, full authority, full funding," Mr Abbott said.

"If the Labor Party is serious about tackling corruption again they will stop standing in the way of the reestablishment of a strong cop on the beat in that particular industry.

"The commission should have full authority to ensure that the law is upheld.

Full authority to ensure that the law is upheld in an industry which has been long marked by lawlessness."

bogarde73 wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 2:05pm:

And now Tony Abbott has added his weight to the argument: "What today's revelations demonstrate is the absolute pressing need for the reestablishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission with full power, full authority, full funding," Mr Abbott said. "If the Labor Party is serious about tackling corruption again they will stop standing in the way of the reestablishment of a strong cop on the beat in that particular industry. "The commission should have full authority to ensure that the law is upheld. Full authority to ensure that the law is upheld in an industry which has been long marked by lawlessness."

Another that suddenly believes the ABC - hilarious:)

What weight does Abbott have left?

Lost a huge swathe of support that won’t come back. His own Party is ALREADY planning how to replace him.

In your dreams George.

bogarde73 wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 2:11pm:

In your dreams George.

REACHTELL Libs on 47%.

bogarde73 wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 2:05pm:

And now Tony Abbott has added his weight to the argument: "What today's revelations demonstrate is the absolute pressing need for the reestablishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission with full power, full authority, full funding," Mr Abbott said. "If the Labor Party is serious about tackling corruption again they will stop standing in the way of the reestablishment of a strong cop on the beat in that particular industry. "The commission should have full authority to ensure that the law is upheld. Full authority to ensure that the law is upheld in an industry which has been long marked by lawlessness."

Tony blind as well.......can't see the Coppers around the place?

This is a political attack on Unions, nothing else.  I expect to read soon enough that Campbell Newman has declared (as he can) that Unions are 'criminal organisations'  bringing Qld's VLAD Laws into direct effect.

St George of the Garden wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 2:09pm:

What weight does Abbott have left? Lost a huge swathe of support that won’t come back. His own Party is ALREADY planning how to replace him.

Roflmao - replace with what?   some tired old Howard hacks that are still living in the 1950's?  Abbott is the best they have  :(

St George of the Garden wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 2:09pm:

What weight does Abbott have left? Lost a huge swathe of support that won’t come back. His own Party is ALREADY planning how to replace him.

It is likely that the community have already stopped listening to Abbott.

Cliff48 wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 2:14pm:

St George of the Garden wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 2:09pm: What weight does Abbott have left? Lost a huge swathe of support that won’t come back. His own Party is ALREADY planning how to replace him. Roflmao - replace with what?   some tired old Howard hacks that are still living in the 1950's?  Abbott is the best they have

Some in the Liberal party moved into the 1960's a few days ago.

This government is so bereft of new policies they're just regurgitating Howard's old ones.

They want the unions made impotent again and wages back on freefall. The next government initiative will be the reintroduction of Workchoices under another name.


Quote:

The only thing that the ABCC achieved was to make building sites less safe places to work - they killed people.

There was at least a death a week on a building site under the last Coalition government. There was no regulation because the unions were emasculated. Work place safety became non-existent. Scaffolding wasn't being erected properly and inexperienced workers weren't being supervised. It was a disgrace and in the end Australia was sick of it and that's why Howard lost his seat.

How quickly we've forgotten the excesses and slackness of the Coalition in their quest for extreme capitalism.

You've missed the plot dna. Abbott keeps a background profile because he KNOWS that the people are sick & tired of listening to pollies after 6 years of Rudd/Gillard.

He just pops his head up every now and again to give people news they WANT to hear like:
- the boats have stopped
- work for the dole
- we have to rein in our spending

bogarde73 wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 2:22pm:

You've missed the plot dna. Abbott keeps a background profile because he KNOWS that the people are sick & tired of listening to pollies after 6 years of Rudd/Gillard. He just pops his head up every now and again to give people news they WANT to hear like: - the boats have stopped - work for the dole - we have to rein in our spending

The self delusion in that post is just cruel.

mantra wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 2:18pm:

There was at least a death a week on a building site under the last Coalition government. There was no regulation because the unions were emasculated. Work place safety became non-existent. Scaffolding wasn't being erected properly and inexperienced workers weren't being supervised. It was a disgrace and in the end Australia was sick of it and that's why Howard lost his seat.

I would love to see the sources you use to back all these claims up.

Thanks  :)

Cliff48 wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 2:14pm:

St George of the Garden wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 2:09pm: What weight does Abbott have left? Lost a huge swathe of support that won’t come back. His own Party is ALREADY planning how to replace him. Roflmao - replace with what?   some tired old Howard hacks that are still living in the 1950's?  Abbott is the best they have  :(

Abbott could not possibly be the best option anyone could have.

Hockey might be a compromise candidate the Lib caucus could agree on.

The last 34 Posts were moved here from Politicians Suck by perceptions_now.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/bikies-crooks-and-barangaroo-20140127-31izo.html

Again we see corrupt construction unions in league with organised criminals (including bikies) gaining lucrative construction contacts in Sydney.

Surprised....NO!

viewpoint wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 11:37am:

http://www.smh.com.au/national/bikies-crooks-and-barangaroo-20140127-31izo.html Again we see corrupt construction unions in league with organised criminals (including bikies) gaining lucrative construction contacts in Sydney. Surprised....NO!

Your going to get berated for posting this   ;) ;)

woody2014 wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 11:40am:

viewpoint wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 11:37am: http://www.smh.com.au/national/bikies-crooks-and-barangaroo-20140127-31izo.html Again we see corrupt construction unions in league with organised criminals (including bikies) gaining lucrative construction contacts in Sydney. Surprised....NO! Your going to get berated for posting this   ;) ;)

I know, but I won't charge the brain dead plonkers......they have to make excuses up for their socialist/unionist/communist thieving mates.....my sarcasm is free to them.... ;D ;D ;)

woody2014 wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 11:40am:

viewpoint wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 11:37am: http://www.smh.com.au/national/bikies-crooks-and-barangaroo-20140127-31izo.html Again we see corrupt construction unions in league with organised criminals (including bikies) gaining lucrative construction contacts in Sydney. Surprised....NO! Your going to get berated for posting this   ;) ;)

Nah, I accept nearly all righties are brain dead and with reading and comprehension problems.

viewpoint wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 11:37am:

http://www.smh.com.au/national/bikies-crooks-and-barangaroo-20140127-31izo.html Again we see corrupt construction unions in league with organised criminals (including bikies) gaining lucrative construction contacts in Sydney. Surprised....NO!

TWO existing threads not enough for you?

Unions are not only rife with corruption - as demonstrated on countless occasions.

They are staffed with 'lifers' who are utterly inept and just out for themselves.

I have had the misfortune of dealing with the AMWU in our plants and they are utter pr1cks to a man in my experience.

Aussie wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 11:50am:

viewpoint wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 11:37am: http://www.smh.com.au/national/bikies-crooks-and-barangaroo-20140127-31izo.html Again we see corrupt construction unions in league with organised criminals (including bikies) gaining lucrative construction contacts in Sydney. Surprised....NO! TWO existing threads not enough for you?

No need to thank me Ozzie......I'm sure the cab driver's union is as honest as the day is long.....the lawyers ....well that's a different matter.....we know most of them are bent!  [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]

viewpoint wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 12:03pm:

Aussie wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 11:50am: viewpoint wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 11:37am: http://www.smh.com.au/national/bikies-crooks-and-barangaroo-20140127-31izo.html Again we see corrupt construction unions in league with organised criminals (including bikies) gaining lucrative construction contacts in Sydney. Surprised....NO! TWO existing threads not enough for you? No need to thank me Ozzie......I'm sure the cab driver's union is as honest as the day is long.....the lawyers ....well that's a different matter.....we know most of them are bent!  [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]

That's why they drive CABS   ;) ;)

bump

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 11:55am:

Unions are not only rife with corruption - as demonstrated on countless occasions. They are staffed with 'lifers' who are utterly inept and just out for themselves. I have had the misfortune of dealing with the AMWU in our plants and they are utter pr1cks to a man in my experience.

a bit like energy comapnies .....  :D :D :D :D

viewpoint wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 11:37am:

http://www.smh.com.au/national/bikies-crooks-and-barangaroo-20140127-31izo.html Again we see corrupt construction unions in league with organised criminals (including bikies) gaining lucrative construction contacts in Sydney. Surprised....NO!

what exactly are you claiming the union did wrong?

John Smith wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 12:29pm:

viewpoint wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 11:37am: http://www.smh.com.au/national/bikies-crooks-and-barangaroo-20140127-31izo.html Again we see corrupt construction unions in league with organised criminals (including bikies) gaining lucrative construction contacts in Sydney. Surprised....NO! what exactly are you claiming the union did wrong?

Link.....read it.

Incidentally, you'll notice that the ABC ~ 7.30 program collaborated with Fairfax in sourcing the story.

viewpoint wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 12:41pm:

John Smith wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 12:29pm: viewpoint wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 11:37am: http://www.smh.com.au/national/bikies-crooks-and-barangaroo-20140127-31izo.html Again we see corrupt construction unions in league with organised criminals (including bikies) gaining lucrative construction contacts in Sydney. Surprised....NO! what exactly are you claiming the union did wrong? Link.....read it. Incidentally, you'll notice that the ABC ~ 7.30 program collaborated with Fairfax in sourcing the story.

I did read it ... why don't you tell me what they did wrong?

John Smith wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 12:55pm:

viewpoint wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 12:41pm: John Smith wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 12:29pm: viewpoint wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 11:37am: http://www.smh.com.au/national/bikies-crooks-and-barangaroo-20140127-31izo.html Again we see corrupt construction unions in league with organised criminals (including bikies) gaining lucrative construction contacts in Sydney. Surprised....NO! what exactly are you claiming the union did wrong? Link.....read it. Incidentally, you'll notice that the ABC ~ 7.30 program collaborated with Fairfax in sourcing the story. I did read it ... why don't you tell me what they did wrong?

Maybe asking you to read it was a mistake. I guess reading and comprehension aren't your strong point. Okay, ask a family member to read it to you if they can read and understand English........or maybe a friend.....if you've got any señora....ask nicely and they may explain.

viewpoint wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 1:03pm:

John Smith wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 12:55pm: viewpoint wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 12:41pm: John Smith wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 12:29pm: viewpoint wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 11:37am: http://www.smh.com.au/national/bikies-crooks-and-barangaroo-20140127-31izo.html Again we see corrupt construction unions in league with organised criminals (including bikies) gaining lucrative construction contacts in Sydney. Surprised....NO! what exactly are you claiming the union did wrong? Link.....read it. Incidentally, you'll notice that the ABC ~ 7.30 program collaborated with Fairfax in sourcing the story. I did read it ... why don't you tell me what they did wrong? Maybe asking you to read it was a mistake. I guess reading and comprehension aren't your strong point. Okay, ask a family member to read it to you if they can read and understand English........or maybe a friend.....if you've got any señora....ask nicely and they may explain.

so yoú can't see what they did wrong either? was that so hard to admit? ;D ;D ;D

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 11:55am:

Unions are not only rife with corruption - as demonstrated on countless occasions. They are staffed with 'lifers' who are utterly inept and just out for themselves. I have had the misfortune of dealing with the AMWU in our plants and they are utter pr1cks to a man in my experience.

Coudnt agree more.

Timing of the royal commission will be interesting

FAO Señora Jane Smith

Señora, watch the news (any channel) try freeze frame and rewind if it's not sinking in.......go though it a few times (probably a dozen) and maybe.....shot in the dark here......you'll grasp the idea behind the story......now I'm certainly not going to guarantee that you'll understand, but give it try señora.........you could learn something????? ::)

The head of the CFMEU was and old fling of gillards ( she has done a few ) ant he brothe of brendan oconner mp. lol

The last 18 Posts were moved here from Politicians Suck by perceptions_now.

Quote:

Standing nearly two metres and weighing more than 150 kilograms, Amin Fakhri makes an impression wherever he goes. For years, Mr Fakhri's presence has been felt in Sydney's outlaw motorcycle gangs. The hulking Comanchero has been a regular police target and faced court in 2006 over his possession of an illegal firearm. But, in 2011, the shaven-headed and bearded bikie had an unexpected career change: He became the new manager of a labour hire company that supplies workers on city building sites. Amin Fakhri, a visible presence in Sydney's outlaw motorcycle gangs for years. A plumber, according to reports of his court case, Mr Fakhri was appointed manager of United, also known as Active Labour Hire, by its owner, Sydney businessman and former bankrupt George Alex.An associate of both men said Mr Alex knew what he was doing when he put Mr Fakhri in the top job. ''Amin is a bikie, not a labour hire specialist,'' said the associate. ''But that is the point.''Mr Alex had been successful in Sydney by cultivating ties with influential NSW Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union officials who in turn gave his company an enterprise bargaining agreement, which meant his workforce could be placed on any building site in the city. Mr Alex, who declined to be interviewed, wanted the same deal for United in Melbourne and sent Mr Fakhri south. One of United's first moves was to bring in local underworld boss Mick Gatto to help negotiate with the union's Victorian branch.It is believed Mr Gatto was paid tens of thousands of dollars to act as a consultant for United. Soon enough, United had an enterprise-bargaining agreement in Victoria, despite the union's distaste for labour hire firms due to the belief they lead to the loss of full-time jobs for members. Now Mr Alex's company was ready to compete with other labour hire companies for Victorian jobs, including those that had already provided payments and gifts to union figures to get their own enterprise bargaining agreements. A Victorian union shop steward with ties to Melbourne's underworld was encouraged to send work United's way. The union's NSW and Victorian support for United has puzzled owners of other labour hire companies who have been unsuccessful in securing a union enterprise agreement, particularly as Mr Alex's companies had a record of going bust and owing workers money. Mr Alex is, according to one former associate, ''a financial ghost''. Tax authorities have been chasing him for years in regards to his labour hire and construction empire in Victoria, NSW and Queensland. Despite this, Mr Alex has remained on reasonable terms with some within the NSW union. Its state secretary Brian Parker last year told Fairfax Media Mr Alex had always acted ''in a professional manner'' and paid his workers fully and on time. ''George comes across as extremely professional. George is a person who gets involved in all sorts of things. I found him relatively decent to deal with. He sticks to his word,'' Mr Parker said. In a statement yesterday, Mr Parker said he had no social relationship with Mr Alex and had played no role in promoting his company on Sydney's Barangaroo building project.

http://www.theage.com.au/national/bikie-amin-fakhri-makes-an-unexpected-career-move-into-the-construction-field-20140127-31iyo.html

wonder if hes related to Eddie Obeid..lol.. sounds like one of his... you know it doesnt pay to know all this.. its so sickening.


Sprintcyclist wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 9:58am:

Now Mr Alex's company was ready to compete with other labour hire companies for Victorian jobs, including those that had already provided payments and gifts to union figures to get their own enterprise bargaining agreements.

smacks of Wilson..still going on..

Is it too much to ask the less–bright righties to see if a similar thread has already been started?

St George of the Garden wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 10:07am:

Is it too much to ask the less–bright righties to see if a similar thread has already been started?

LOL

So the story is from the Age and this is all you can say…..

Priceless…..

;D :D ;D :D

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 9:58am:

Quote: Standing nearly two metres and weighing more than 150 kilograms, Amin Fakhri makes an impression wherever he goes. For years, Mr Fakhri's presence has been felt in Sydney's outlaw motorcycle gangs. The hulking Comanchero has been a regular police target and faced court in 2006 over his possession of an illegal firearm. But, in 2011, the shaven-headed and bearded bikie had an unexpected career change: He became the new manager of a labour hire company that supplies workers on city building sites. Amin Fakhri, a visible presence in Sydney's outlaw motorcycle gangs for years. A plumber, according to reports of his court case, Mr Fakhri was appointed manager of United, also known as Active Labour Hire, by its owner, Sydney businessman and former bankrupt George Alex.An associate of both men said Mr Alex knew what he was doing when he put Mr Fakhri in the top job. ''Amin is a bikie, not a labour hire specialist,'' said the associate. ''But that is the point.''Mr Alex had been successful in Sydney by cultivating ties with influential NSW Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union officials who in turn gave his company an enterprise bargaining agreement, which meant his workforce could be placed on any building site in the city. Mr Alex, who declined to be interviewed, wanted the same deal for United in Melbourne and sent Mr Fakhri south. One of United's first moves was to bring in local underworld boss Mick Gatto to help negotiate with the union's Victorian branch.It is believed Mr Gatto was paid tens of thousands of dollars to act as a consultant for United. Soon enough, United had an enterprise-bargaining agreement in Victoria, despite the union's distaste for labour hire firms due to the belief they lead to the loss of full-time jobs for members. Now Mr Alex's company was ready to compete with other labour hire companies for Victorian jobs, including those that had already provided payments and gifts to union figures to get their own enterprise bargaining agreements. A Victorian union shop steward with ties to Melbourne's underworld was encouraged to send work United's way. The union's NSW and Victorian support for United has puzzled owners of other labour hire companies who have been unsuccessful in securing a union enterprise agreement, particularly as Mr Alex's companies had a record of going bust and owing workers money. Mr Alex is, according to one former associate, ''a financial ghost''. Tax authorities have been chasing him for years in regards to his labour hire and construction empire in Victoria, NSW and Queensland. Despite this, Mr Alex has remained on reasonable terms with some within the NSW union. Its state secretary Brian Parker last year told Fairfax Media Mr Alex had always acted ''in a professional manner'' and paid his workers fully and on time. ''George comes across as extremely professional. George is a person who gets involved in all sorts of things. I found him relatively decent to deal with. He sticks to his word,'' Mr Parker said. In a statement yesterday, Mr Parker said he had no social relationship with Mr Alex and had played no role in promoting his company on Sydney's Barangaroo building project. http://www.theage.com.au/national/bikie-amin-fakhri-makes-an-unexpected-career-move-into-the-construction-field-20140127-31iyo.html

bump

cods wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 10:04am:

wonder if hes related to Eddie Obeid..lol.. sounds like one of his... you know it doesnt pay to know all this.. its so sickening. Sprintcyclist wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 9:58am: Now Mr Alex's company was ready to compete with other labour hire companies for Victorian jobs, including those that had already provided payments and gifts to union figures to get their own enterprise bargaining agreements. smacks of Wilson..still going on..

Maybe the one eyed burger flipper is still involved

St George of the Garden wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 10:07am:

Is it too much to ask the less–bright righties to see if a similar thread has already been started?

I thought I had this sense of deja vu......

Frances wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 2:21pm:

St George of the Garden wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 10:07am: Is it too much to ask the less–bright righties to see if a similar thread has already been started? I thought I had this sense of deja vu......

I think it is the fourth or fifth on this topic.

Frances wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 2:21pm:

St George of the Garden wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 10:07am: Is it too much to ask the less–bright righties to see if a similar thread has already been started? I thought I had this sense of deja vu......

Don't worry Andrei will be around any minute to roll them all into one topic, just like he does when they are critical of Tony.

Dnarever wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 2:38pm:

Frances wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 2:21pm: St George of the Garden wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 10:07am: Is it too much to ask the less–bright righties to see if a similar thread has already been started? I thought I had this sense of deja vu...... Don't worry Andrei will be around any minute to roll them all into one topic, just like he does when they are critical of Tony.

You could get rolled into one topic ... Boring  ;D

This title should have labor in it. Unions and labor are forever entwined

The last 11 Posts were moved here from Politicians Suck by perceptions_now.

Mozz used to just move the loony fringe crap to extremism exposed.

progressiveslol wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 6:57pm:

This title should have labor in it. Unions and labor are forever entwined

I think it is understood that there is a relationship however with this story there is no cross connection just the opportunity to deceptively create one.

viewpoint wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 1:03pm:

John Smith wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 12:55pm: viewpoint wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 12:41pm: John Smith wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 12:29pm: viewpoint wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 11:37am: http://www.smh.com.au/national/bikies-crooks-and-barangaroo-20140127-31izo.html Again we see corrupt construction unions in league with organised criminals (including bikies) gaining lucrative construction contacts in Sydney. Surprised....NO! what exactly are you claiming the union did wrong? Link.....read it. Incidentally, you'll notice that the ABC ~ 7.30 program collaborated with Fairfax in sourcing the story. I did read it ... why don't you tell me what they did wrong? Maybe asking you to read it was a mistake. I guess reading and comprehension aren't your strong point. Okay, ask a family member to read it to you if they can read and understand English........or maybe a friend.....if you've got any señora....ask nicely and they may explain.

Funny - a conservative using the word comprehension. So many of them have no idea what it means.

Dnarever wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 8:34pm:

viewpoint wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 1:03pm: John Smith wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 12:55pm: viewpoint wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 12:41pm: John Smith wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 12:29pm: viewpoint wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 11:37am: http://www.smh.com.au/national/bikies-crooks-and-barangaroo-20140127-31izo.html Again we see corrupt construction unions in league with organised criminals (including bikies) gaining lucrative construction contacts in Sydney. Surprised....NO! what exactly are you claiming the union did wrong? Link.....read it. Incidentally, you'll notice that the ABC ~ 7.30 program collaborated with Fairfax in sourcing the story. I did read it ... why don't you tell me what they did wrong? Maybe asking you to read it was a mistake. I guess reading and comprehension aren't your strong point. Okay, ask a family member to read it to you if they can read and understand English........or maybe a friend.....if you've got any señora....ask nicely and they may explain. Funny - a conservative using the word comprehension. So many of them have no idea what it means.

you agree then  the CFMEU hasnt done anything wrong either.. ::) ::) ::)

amazing.. even their own say they have..

Investigation into influence of Sydney crime figure

The CFMEU's national executive has also launched an internal investigation into the influence of Sydney crime figure George Alex in the union's NSW arm after a whistleblower questioned his relationship with senior union officials.

Mr Alex - a convicted criminal with links to Comancheros bikies, murderers and drug traffickers - runs a labour hire company that has landed lucrative contracts in NSW and Victoria, including the Barangaroo development.

It has been alleged that union figures helped Mr Alex obtain those contracts, despite the fact he has become notorious for running phoenix companies, which go bust then resurface under a different name. As a result, some workers have been left without their entitlements.

Late last year, Mr Alex's companies owed more than $1 million in workers' benefits and unpaid taxes in NSW and Victoria. The NSW CFMEU recently recovered $250,000 from Mr Alex.

In Victoria, Mr Alex employed Melbourne underworld figure Mick Gatto to negotiate with the unions and obtain work for his labour hire companies, Active and United

yahoo..

theres a thousand links just google cfmeu corruption..

::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::)

and its your precious ABC.. to boot.

there is always one or two thick people who believe absolutely no one. ;D ;D

Dnarever wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 8:31pm:

progressiveslol wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 6:57pm: This title should have labor in it. Unions and labor are forever entwined I think it is understood that there is a relationship however with this story there is no cross connection just the opportunity to deceptively create one.

OF COURSE!.. AWU.. HSU.. NO CONNECTION AT ALL.

Dnarever wrote on Jan 28^th, 2014 at 8:31pm:

progressiveslol wrote on Jan 28th, 2014 at 6:57pm: This title should have labor in it. Unions and labor are forever entwined I think it is understood that there is a relationship however with this story there is no cross connection just the opportunity to deceptively create one.

Ill change it for the challenged
Unions and labor are forever entwined in corruption and cash cow union dues and hidden taxes against the australian people through union support paybacks