Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

Victorian Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Fontana told the royal commission of the links between unions and organised crime. He identified the police's concerns about corruption, drug trade, blackmail and extortion in the industry. He said that Victoria Police intelligence indicates that 'criminal activity is undertaken by trade union officials directly', and that 'union officials use organised crime figures to act as debt collectors in the industry'. Counsel assisting asked: 'Which union undertakes these activities?' to which Assistant Commissioner Fontana replied: 'Certainly, the CFMEU is one that comes to mind.' If anyone is curious as to the identity of those CFMEU officials referred to by Assistant Commissioner Fontana, I am sure that Mr Setka might be able to provide the answer. (Time expired)