Victoria Police have expanded their investigation into allegations that outlaw motorcycle gangs and underworld figures continue to infiltrate the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU). The move comes in response to fresh claims of violence, intimidation, and corruption on government projects, particularly within the state’s Big Build program. Recent investigations by 60 Minutes and The Age have highlighted disturbing accounts, including allegations of violence against women on construction sites and widespread criminal behaviour on worksites.
A Troubled History
The CFMEU’s construction arm was placed into administration in August 2024 amid longstanding allegations of misconduct. Reports emerged that bikies were not only influencing union activities but also acting as delegates on major projects. An interim report released in September by barrister Geoffrey Watson SC revealed that outlaw motorcycle gang figures remained influential within the Victorian branch, which has been described as being caught in a cycle of lawlessness where violence and threats are common.
Operation Hawk Gets a Boost
In response to the latest allegations, Victoria Police announced the expansion of “Operation Hawk,” originally established in July 2024. A spokesperson for Victoria Police stated:
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“Criminal behaviour will not be tolerated which is why Victoria Police has expanded the operation. The expanded taskforce now has a clear focus on serious and violent offending including blackmail, extortion, assaults and threats to life and property.”
Acting Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent has been bolstering the taskforce in light of new intelligence, with additional detectives now deployed to proactively target organised crime linked to the construction industry.
Premier’s Strong Stand on Workplace Safety
Premier Jacinta Allan has voiced her deep concern over the fresh revelations. Speaking on Monday, she condemned the alleged criminal behaviour and the threat it poses to the safety of workers on government projects. “What we saw last night with further revelations and information was again shocking and completely unacceptable,” Ms Allan said. “All workers deserve the right to a safe workplace and I was absolutely sickened to my core to see footage of an allegation of a woman being assaulted. This is wrong. This is not right.”
Ms Allan, who met with Acting Chief Commissioner Nugent earlier this week, reiterated that the government has zero tolerance for bullying and criminal activity on worksites.
Federal Investigation and Calls for a Royal Commission
The investigation has not been confined to Victoria Police alone. On Thursday, Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers raided properties in Northcote and Lower Templestowe as part of a broader probe into corruption within the Victorian building industry. These actions have intensified calls from the opposition for a royal commission to investigate the alleged underworld infiltration further.
Shadow Minister for Major Projects Evan Mulholland described the situation as “a well-known secret” and insisted that:
“Nothing short of a royal commission will be acceptable for those women that have been abused and for the hard working taxpayers that are being fleeced, and it’s also the hard working members of the union and hard working builders on construction sites that are getting a bad name.”
The Road Ahead
With fresh evidence emerging and investigations ramping up, Victoria Police are expected to outline further details about the taskforce and its ongoing efforts. Meanwhile, political leaders and community advocates continue to demand accountability and transparency in addressing the alleged criminal influence infiltrating the CFMEU and government projects.
As the operation unfolds, both state and federal authorities have made it clear that they are committed to cracking down on organised crime within the construction sector. For now, workers and taxpayers alike are left waiting for decisive action to ensure that every Victorian worksite remains a safe and secure environment.
