Victoria’s Big Build cash used for bikie boxing and barbecues

The Dark Underbelly of Construction: Joel Leavitt and the CFMEU Scandal

Introduction: A Legacy of Corruption and Violence

Joel Leavitt, a notorious bikie and former union health and safety representative, has emerged as a central figure in a shocking tale of gangland infiltration and corruption within Victoria’s Big Build infrastructure projects. Leavitt’s involvement in the construction industry has been marked by violence, intimidation, and exploitation, raising serious questions about how such individuals have managed to embed themselves so deeply within the system. Geoffrey Watson, SC, the chief investigator for the CFMEU administration, has described Leavitt’s role in the Big Build as “the single worst instance” of gangland infiltration he has uncovered, labeling it a “very black moment in the history of the CFMEU.” This revelation has thrown a harsh spotlight on the pervasive corruption plaguing Australia’s construction sector and the failure of authorities to stem the rot.

Leavitt’s Criminal Enterprise: Extortion, Violence, and Union Abuse

Leavitt’s criminal activities have been brazen and widespread, leveraging his position as a union delegate to exploit workers, subcontractors, and even the union itself. One particularly egregious scheme involved the misuse of union funds for a catering event. In March 2023, Leavitt requested that the Southern Program Alliance (SPA), a consortium overseeing rail projects, support his union-backed catering day. While SPA demanded invoices for the request, it was ultimately Big Build subcontractors who footed the bill, with police suspecting Leavitt pocketed thousands of dollars in the process. This racket, combined with his notorious reputation for violence, has created an environment of fear and coercion, with workers and subcontractors understanding all too well the consequences of crossing Leavitt or his associates. Watson’s description of Leavitt as an “extremely violent criminal” paints a chilling picture of a man whose influence is underpinned by terror and intimidation.

Hardcore Promotions: Boxing, Corruption, and Sponsorship Scandals

Beyond his role in the construction industry, Leavitt has expanded his criminal empire into the world of boxing promotion, using his connections to further enrich himself and strengthen his grip on the sector. Evidence suggests Leavitt is a key figure in Hardcore Promotions, a firm that has become a front for his activities. The company has organized high-profile fights, including a recent bout involving Johnny “Two Guns” Walker, a former bikie and Big Build health and safety representative. Walker, who was also forced off the Big Build following revelations of misconduct, has openly acknowledged Leavitt’s involvement in Hardcore Promotions, thanking him for the opportunity to return to the ring. The event itself has been sponsored by major Big Build subcontractors, many of whom appear to have been pressured into supporting the venture. One such sponsor, MC Labour, has ties to infamous gangland figures like Toby Mitchell and has faced its own controversies, including the “ghost shift” scandal on the Metro Tunnel project.

The NSW Connection: A Warning Unheeded

The revelations about Leavitt and the CFMEU are not isolated to Victoria. Veteran union figure Mario Barrios has come forward to warn that the construction industry in New South Wales is equally vulnerable to corruption and criminal infiltration. Barrios, a former long-serving CFMEU delegate and committee member, has called for urgent reforms to tackle the “aggressive” spread of corruption in the sector. His warnings come amid concerns that the NSW government’s efforts to address these issues have been ineffective, with the state’s construction sector still dominated by fear and intimidation. Barrios has highlighted the ineptitude of both the police and the NSW administrator in tackling the problem, asserting that while the “head of the octopus” may have been cut off, its tentacles remain firmly entrenched. This warning is particularly poignant, given Barrios’s own history of confronting corruption, including a violent threat from jailed building boss George Alex over a decade ago.

A Failed System: Police Limitations and the Need for Reform

The systemic failures in addressing construction sector corruption are further highlighted by the limitations of law enforcement agencies. Detectives investigating Leavitt’s catering racket were forced to abandon their probe due to the difficulty of gathering evidence from subcontractors, many of whom are reluctant to cooperate for fear of retaliation. A law enforcement source candidly admitted that the police lack the “resources or ability” to pursue such cases through the courts. This admission underscores the broader challenge of policing organized crime in the construction sector, where fear and intimidation often silence potential witnesses. The inability to bring individuals like Leavitt to justice not only emboldens criminals but also erodes public trust in institutions meant to uphold the law. Without significant reforms, including stricter penalties for corruption and better support for whistleblowers, the cycle of exploitation and violence will continue unchecked.

The Bigger Picture: A Call to Action and the Road Ahead

The revelations about Joel Leavitt and the CFMEU serve as a stark reminder of the deep-seated corruption infecting Australia’s construction industry. From Victoria’s Big Build projects to the streets of Sydney, the rot of organized crime and exploitation runs deep, leaving in its wake a trail of victims and a broken system. The voices of whistleblowers like Mario Barrios and the bravery of those who dare to speak out offer a glimmer of hope, but meaningful change will require bold action. This includes legislative reforms, greater accountability for those in power, and a concerted effort to dismantle the networks of corruption that have flourished for far too long. The time for excuses is over; the time for action is now. The construction industry, and the workers who build the backbone of this nation, deserve nothing less than a system free from fear, exploitation, and violence.