Saturday, July 18, 2015

Statement from the National Office of the CFMEU

A number of employers gave evidence of paying money to former CFMEU official Halafihi Kivalu in the Union Royal Commission on Monday and Tuesday this week in Canberra.

There was no evidence from employers that the union was aware of these payments or that any other officer was involved.

On Thursday Mr Kivalu in both his testimony and in a written statement admitted to receiving tens of thousands of dollars from employers.

Mr Kivalu also gave evidence that no one at the CFMEU knew of the payments.

Mr Kivalu's employment with the ACT branch of the CFMEU was terminated in October 2014.

He was expelled as a member of the union on Tuesday.

Mr Kivalu was arrested on Thursday 16 July shortly after giving evidence. His arrest is a matter for the criminal justice system.

The CFMEU urges any employer that is asked for a bribe to go to the police.

The leadership commends all the honest, hardworking officials and delegates who represent the union in their workplaces. We want them to know that we won't allow the good work they do and the reputation of the union to be tarnished and undone by corruption.

MICHAEL O'CONNOR National Secretary

TONY MAHER National President

DAVE NOONAN National Assistant Secretary   

No comments: