Federal government paid $3.8m in personal protection for then CFMEU administrator
The federal government has spent $3.8 million on personal protection for Mark Irving, the former administrator of the CFMEU, due to credible death threats he received during his tenure. Additionally, $5.3 million has been allocated for security for his successor, Michael Crosby. Minister Murray Watt also required personal security after initiating the administration of the CFMEU, which has been linked to organized crime in the construction industry.
- ▪Mark Irving served as the CFMEU administrator for 20 months and faced death threats during that time.
- ▪The federal government allocated $3.8 million for Irving's personal protection and $5.3 million for his successor's security.
- ▪Minister Murray Watt required personal security after sending the CFMEU into administration due to threats from organized crime.
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| Original publisher | the Guardian |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jun/02/federal-government-paid-38m-in-personal-protection-for-former-cfmeu-administrator-ntwnfb |
| Publication time | Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:36:15 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-06-02T08:09:23.676Z |
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Mark Irving spent 20 months as the CFMEU administrator, during which time he fired hundreds of people and was subject to death threats. Composite: AAPView image in fullscreenMark Irving spent 20 months as the CFMEU administrator, during which time he fired hundreds of people and was subject to death threats. Composite: AAPAustralian trade unionsFederal government paid $3.8m in personal protection for then CFMEU administrator Senate committee also hears Murray Watt needed personal security after sending the union into administration Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Cait KellyTue 2 Jun 2026 03.36 EDTLast modified on Tue 2 Jun 2026 03.37 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe federal government has paid millions of dollars in personal protection for the…
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