Corruption in the construction industry has reached a boiling point, and the recent arrests of three individuals linked to outlaw motorcycle gangs have exposed a shocking web of alleged criminal activity. But here's where it gets controversial: among those arrested is Joel Leavitt, a former CFMEU official and current member of the Bandidos, whose alleged exploits have raised serious questions about the union's ties to organized crime. And this is the part most people miss: Leavitt, who reportedly earned over $200,000 annually as a CFMEU health and safety representative, was allegedly involved in blackmailing a victim for $663,000—all while driving a government-funded car. Is this a case of taxpayer money inadvertently fueling criminal activity?
Leavitt's arrest, along with that of a 32-year-old Watsonia man and a 55-year-old Mernda man, both Bandidos members, came just a day after a damning report into the Victorian CFMEU was made public. The report, authored by Geoffrey Watson SC, didn't hold back: it accused the union of cozying up to underworld figures and bikie gangs, and boldly claimed the state government had been 'cowed' by the CFMEU's industrial might. Watson went further, suggesting the government turned a blind eye to the union's alleged lawlessness to ensure its Big Build projects stayed on track. But is this a fair assessment, or an overreach?
Premier Ms. Allan, while expressing deep regret over the allegations of bribery, extortion, and violence, disputed the report's claim that the CFMEU's actions cost Victorian taxpayers $15 billion. 'That figure is not well-tested,' she stated firmly. However, she didn't shy away from acknowledging the severity of the situation, calling the allegations 'absolutely sickening.' Ms. Allan emphasized her zero-tolerance policy, noting that all allegations brought to her attention during her tenure as Minister for Transport and Infrastructure were promptly referred to authorities. But is this enough to restore public trust?
Taskforce Hawk, the Victorian taskforce investigating corruption in the construction industry, has been relentless in its pursuit of justice. With 70 charges laid against 15 individuals, including the recent arrests, the taskforce is sending a clear message: no one is above the law. Yet, the question remains: how deep does this corruption run, and what more needs to be done to root it out?
Leavitt's alleged criminal history is particularly troubling. Witnesses claim he demanded payments from prospective employees in exchange for jobs and even insisted his friends and relatives be given lucrative positions on rail shutdown shifts, where workers could earn up to $15,000 a week. One account even alleges he tried to secure a cleaning job for his mother—though she declined. Does this paint a picture of systemic abuse of power, or isolated incidents?
As the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear: the line between labor advocacy and criminal activity has become dangerously blurred. Is the CFMEU a victim of a few bad apples, or is there a deeper cultural issue at play? We want to hear from you. Do you think the government has done enough to address this crisis? Or is there more to be done? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s spark a conversation that could shape the future of Victoria's construction industry.
