Criminologists cited in reporting say allegations involving the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) resemble the behaviour of organised crime groups rather than an industrial watchdog. The experts describe a pattern in which fear, intimidation and coercive tactics are used to influence outcomes on building sites. In the accounts, the union’s alleged conduct is characterised as seeking control over projects and directing activities in a way more commonly associated with criminal networks than lawful union operations.
The reporting frames the comments as an assessment of the allegations’ characteristics, drawing on criminology expertise to explain what such behaviours can indicate in terms of organisation, influence and enforcement. While the outlets emphasise the experts’ views, they also focus on the broader theme that the alleged conduct—if established—would be distinct from collective bargaining or standard workplace representation.
Overall, both sources present similar expert claims that the alleged conduct aligns with methods used by organised crime, particularly through the reported use of fear to dominate or steer work on construction sites.
