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<\/p>\nThe senior barrister appointed to clean up Australia’s scandal-plagued construction union has resigned, after leading it through what the administration has called “the most challenging period in the union’s recent history”.<\/p>\n
Mark Irving KC was appointed as administrator of the CFMEU in August 2024 amid revelations of widespread corruption, criminality and violence within the institution.<\/p>\n
He has since commissioned multiple investigations and removed hundreds of individuals from their positions, and has been subject to death threats.<\/p>\n
A statement from the CFMEU said Mr Irving had written to Fair Work Commission (FWC) general manager Murray Furlong to tender his resignation, explaining that the administration was entering a new “rebuilding” phase.<\/p>\n
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CFMEU members received a memo on Monday informing them of the change. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)<\/p>\n
“The Union is changing its personnel. It is changing its culture. It is regaining its position in civil society,” he wrote.<\/p>\n
“The rebuild phase requires a different approach \u2026 and a different set of skills.”<\/p>\n
Mr Irving told the FWC the best person to take over was “an experienced union professional” who was committed to union values and could drive the necessary cultural change.<\/p>\n
The CFMEU said he had delegated powers to Michael Crosby, “an experienced and respected union leader”, though Mr Irving would remain on as senior counsel.<\/p>\n
Union members received an internal memo on Monday informing them of the change.<\/p>\n
‘Crucial work’<\/p>\n
A government spokesperson thanked Mr Irving “for the significant and crucial work he has driven over the past 20 months”.<\/p>\n
“This work will continue under new leadership once appointed by the Fair Work Commission general manager,” they said.<\/p>\n
Australian Constructors Association (ACA) chief executive Jon Davies, who spoke to Mr Irving soon after the decision was made, said it was “surprising timing”.<\/p>\n
“Progress, really good progress, is starting to be made,” he said.<\/p>\n
“But then again, on the other hand, it’s perhaps not surprising given just what’s involved in this role, how high-profile [it] is, and how many people are against the administrator and the personal risks that brings.”<\/p>\n
Mr Davies said while the outgoing administrator played an important role in investigating past wrongs, a new leader might be better suited for the next phase.<\/p>\n
“Whilst we had a good working relationship with Mark to date, he would admit that lawyers have certain skill sets and not others,” he said.<\/p>\n
“I think Mark recognises that going forward, a big part of the role is going to be more around relationship building \u2026 than structural rebuilding.”<\/p>\n
Mr Davies said he did not view Mr Irving’s departure as “a backward step” \u2014 but added that broader regulatory improvements would be essential to ensure long-term change.<\/p>\n