Two previous leaders of the NSW CFMEU branch have reached a plea agreement, acknowledging bribery and corruption claims in a Sydney Local Court.
Darren Greenfield, a former union secretary, and his son Michael Greenfield, the ex-deputy leader, both confessed to accepting bribes from a construction company owner in return for favorable union services and building contracts.
Michael admitted guilt on two counts of soliciting or receiving corrupt benefits, while Darren also pleaded guilty to two similar charges but faced a total of four counts.
As part of the plea arrangement, prosecutors dismissed additional charges.
Investigative reports by the Nine newspapers on the CFMEU led to federal intervention, with the government appointing an administrator to take charge of the union and investigate its activities.
Video evidence released by the newspapers, captured via a concealed police camera in the CFMEU’s Sydney office, appeared to show Darren receiving a $5,000 bribe, which he reportedly stored away about ten minutes later.
Charges of corruption against Darren and Michael were filed in late 2021.
It has been reported that the Greenfields accepted a plea deal due to a lack of access to union funds for their legal expenses, according to ABC.
A critical analysis of their legal costs by corruption specialist Geoffrey Watson SC suggested that Darren should face criminal charges for failing to fulfill his duties and improperly using his position for financial benefit for himself and his son.
Union members expressed shock and anger after learning that $895,000 had been allocated to cover the Greenfields’ legal expenses.
The report suggested pursuing civil action against the Greenfields.
Paul McGirr, the Greenfields’ attorney, informed Nine newspapers outside the court his intention to argue against jail time for his clients.
“I will be presenting to the court, should I be the one representing them, that the threshold may not have been crossed,” he stated.
“If it has been, there are alternative options available for the court in determining their sentence.”
The two are scheduled to appear in the District Court on May 26.
