Former Union Boss and Son Sentenced for Accepting Corrupt Bribes in Sydney
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A former NSW union boss and his son have received prison sentences for accepting corrupt bribes, marking a significant advancement in the ongoing scrutiny of labor organizations in Australia. The case highlights vulnerabilities within the Construction, Forestry, maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) and raises questions about the potential for undue influence in the construction industry.
A Sydney court heard that Darren Greenfield, 60, the former NSW secretary of the CFMEU, “gave in too temptation” by accepting a total of $20,000 in cash across four separate occasions between 2018 and 2020. His son, Michael Greenfield, 40, who served as the union’s state branch assistant secretary, also admitted to offenses related to accepting $10,000 in payments in 2019 and submitting a false statutory declaration.
Bribes Aimed at Securing Competitive Advantage
The court was informed that the bribes were intended to create a “pathway” for a competitive advantage in the tendering process for various construction jobs throughout Sydney. Prosecutors argued that the scheme demonstrated “complacency and arrogance,” with cash payments accepted directly within the CFMEU office.
“While not very elegant offending, it was part of a course of conduct that was planned and executed,” stated a Crown Prosecutor, Sophie Callan SC. The actions of the Greenfields, as union officials, were deemed “inherently more culpable” due to their positions of trust.
Mitigating Factors and Sentencing
Despite the severity of the offenses, both men received sentence reductions due to their guilty pleas. Judge Leonie Flannery acknowledged that Darren Greenfield did not actively solicit the funds but succumbed to “moments of weakness.” She characterized the behavior as an “aberration” after years of service to union members.
“It certainly wasn’t entrenched behaviour,and it was far from sophisticated,” Judge flannery noted in her sentencing remarks. Similar findings were made regarding the younger Greenfield.
Darren Greenfield was sentenced to 10 months in prison, with a condition for release after that period upon demonstrating good behavior. Michael Greenfield received a six-month sentence, also with a conditional release order. Both sentences were substantially reduced from the potential maximum penalties.
Union Response and Calls for Reform
The CFMEU NSW executive director, Michael Crosby, welcomed the court’s decision but emphasized the gravity of the betrayal. “They took money from an employer on the obvious understanding that the employer would receive favourable treatment from the union,” Crosby said in a statement. “Favourable treatment is a euphemism. It actually means that that employer could rely on a special relationship with the Greenfields.”
– Pro tip: Unions should implement robust internal controls and ethics training to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The union intends to expel both men from membership and expressed confidence that the organization is undergoing a period of rebuilding and increased integrity. Crosby thanked law enforcement and prosecutors for their work on the case.
Defense Arguments and Concerns Over Industry Impact
The defense, led by Michael Ainsworth, argued that the amounts involved – $20,000 for Darren Greenfield and $10,000 for Michael greenfield – were relatively insignificant compared to the overall financial activity within the construction industry. Ainsworth also stated that his clients had become “a lightening rod for peopel’s general dissatisfaction for the union movement.” He further asserted that the crimes were “incredibly insular” in nature and that the greenfields posed no risk of reoffending.
– Reader question: Will this case lead to broader investigations into other construction unions?
The court also heard that Michael Greenfield was now “unemployable across the building and construction industry” as a result of the conviction.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for corruption within powerful organizations and the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability. The CFMEU’s commitment to reform will be closely watched as it seeks to restore public trust and ensure the integrity of its operations.
