The Civil Contractors Federation (CCF) has today welcomed the appointment of Mr. Mark Irving KC as the independent administrator of the Construction and General Division of the CFMEU and its associated state branches. “This appointment marks a critical and long-awaited turning point in addressing the deeply ingrained culture of intimidation and coercion that has plagued civil construction sites across the nation.
CCF National CEO Nicholas Proud said: “For too long, our members have operated under the shadow of these aggressive practices, which have stifled productivity, inflated costs, and created an environment of fear and uncertainty. The presence of an independent administrator of Mr. Irving’s calibre brings a renewed hope that the CFMEU can be steered back to its fundamental purpose—representing the legitimate interests of workers, rather than perpetuating a culture of hostility.
“The role of the administrator is not just procedural; it is pivotal in driving cultural change within the union. Mr. Irving has a massive and important responsibility to guide the CFMEU back to its core mission, ensuring that it genuinely serves the needs of its members and restores trust and respect within the industry. This is not merely about regulatory compliance; it is about re-establishing a culture of fairness, collaboration, and mutual respect on our worksites.”
“For the members of the CCF, this development is a significant relief. It signals an opportunity to engage with the Fair Work Commission and other authorities without the looming fear of retribution or recrimination. It will ensure that Members can work again with confidence with union employees representatives in a collaborative manner to get on with building housing and community enabling infrastructure to reconfigure the settings to build the country out of the challenges we face today.”
For further information:
Rowan Carter, Director of Policy, and Advocacy, Civil Contractors Federation National, 0407 896 862
