Labour contractor in custody as police probe CFMEU bribery allegations

A Victorian company director is in custody as police investigate allegations a labour hire contractor bribed current Queensland union officials.

Police raided the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) Queensland headquarters at Bowen Hills and properties in Logan and the Gold Coast on Wednesday morning, as well as properties at Pascoe Vale, Mount Eliza and Oakleigh South in Victoria.

Kim Mellech, the 47-year-old director of Top Up Labour Hire, has been arrested and is being questioned by police.

Detectives will prepare a brief of evidence for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions for the Commonwealth offence of giving, receiving or soliciting a corrupting benefit.

Two men — a 46-year-old from Mount Eliza and a 33-year-old from Pascoe Vale — were also arrested and charged with matters unrelated to the raids.

Taskforce Hawk's Detective Inspector Ross Mitchell said their "focus was on eradicating criminality ... from the construction industry".

"Those who are in the industry deserve to work in a fair and safe environment at all times," he said.

"Taskforce detectives will also continue to work closely with other agencies, including our law enforcement partners interstate, to ensure all those involved in this type of offending are fully investigated."

In a statement, a CFMEU spokesperson said the union "has been made aware of a police investigation this morning and will cooperate fully".

Senior Counsel Assisting Patrick Wheelahan KC said the Commission worked closely with police when information gathered by the inquiry raises potential criminal conduct.

"Today’s operation demonstrates that information provided to the Commission can be investigated and, where appropriate, acted upon by police," he said.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli declined to comment on the raid because it was a police matter.

Speaking about the union generally, he said, "the more I see about the CFMEU, the more I realise that they don't play by the same rules as others".

A Queensland inquiry into alleged corruption at the union is due to resume next month. The Commission of Inquiry has been extended to December 2027.