Investigations
Exclusive
Scams
‘Not a single care’: Victims of HSBC fraud say bank could have stopped the scammers
HSBC is a small player in Australia’s banking sector, but data suggests its customers have been heavily targeted by fraudsters. Those who have lost life savings wish the bank had done more.
- by Aisha Dow
Latest
The footballer, the underworld and the union deal that exposes construction’s dark secrets
When Faruk Orman aligned with ex-AFL goalsneak Kayne Pettifer to secure CFMEU support for a labour-hire firm, it was a case study in underworld figures monetising union backing.
- by Nick McKenzie and David Marin-Guzman
Analysis
Building Bad
The backers who allowed John Setka’s rise to ultimate power
Five years ago, the head of Australia’s union movement demanded Setka’s resignation. What happened next allowed him to not only survive, but thrive.
- by Ben Schneiders
Exclusive
Building Bad
Setka’s secret sisterhood: Labor women in covert support of CFMEU boss revealed
Leaked text messages reveal a network of Labor-linked women rallied around the fallen union leader over criminal harassment charges and his criticism of Rosie Batty’s domestic violence advocacy work.
- by Nick McKenzie, Ben Schneiders and David Marin-Guzman
Podcast
Building Bad
‘This is the opportunity. Don’t squib it’: Nick McKenzie opens up on CFMEU investigation
Underworld figures and bikies infiltrated the CFMEU and major building projects in Victoria and NSW, triggering the resignation of the union’s boss and significant political fallout. Nick McKenzie explains how we got here.
Exclusive
Literature
Emails reveal State Library discussed political, religious views of writers
New documents reveal a former federal Labor MP and board member discussed the views of a writer whose workshop was later cancelled.
- by Kerrie O'Brien
Exclusive
Building Bad
‘I just need it to end’: CFMEU power play turned Ben’s construction dream into a fatal nightmare
The day before his 19th birthday, the young man went to his first day in a new job. He was bullied, humiliated and locked in a shed.
- by Nick McKenzie, Reid Butler and David Marin-Guzman
Exclusive
Building Bad
‘Everyone eats’: Secret audio lays bare CFMEU kickback plan
A fixer has been caught on tape offering to set up kickbacks to union officials to win work for a company as police evidence mounts against John Setka’s anointed successor over suspected corruption.
- by Nick McKenzie, David Marin-Guzman, Ben Schneiders and Amelia Ballinger
‘Everything on the table’: Burke weighs deregistration of CFMEU construction division amid revelations
Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke has threatened deregistration if the union doesn’t clean house.
- by James Massola and Annika Smethurst
Investigation
Building Bad
Building Bad
A months-long investigation into the CFMEU has uncovered infiltration by bikies and organised criminals, intimidation and allegations of corruption.
Exclusive
Building Bad
‘Leo the dog’: Setka caught on tape delivering threatening message to rival’s home
Video of the former union chief’s night-time visit emerges, plus other officials filmed in abusive tirade on $761 million government project.
- by Nick McKenzie, Ben Schneiders, David Marin-Guzman and Reid Butler