By Noel Murphy
A Geelong union figure has been embroiled in a controversial Royal Commission stand-off over secret tapes and alleged leaks to media outlets.
The Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance this week took the extraordinary step of publically denying any role in the leaks after CFMEU counsel John Agius SC called for an investigation into the release of details related to proceedings but yet to be heard.
Mr Agius cited incidents including a report of CFMEU organiser Gerard Benstead, of Geelong, warning a Melbourne developer against going to the Australian Building and Construction Commission watchdog with claims workers were being forced to join the union.
The Fairfax report last week related to West Homes’ redevelopment work on Pentridge Prison in 2011.
Mr Benstead was allegedly recorded on a secret tape, saying: “If you go running to the ABCC (Australian Building and Construction Commission), forget about it. That will be the worst move you’ll ever make”.
Mr Benstead told the Independent he was unable to talk on the issue.
But CFMEU national construction secretary Dave Noonan referred to the allegations as “rehashed”, saying the ABCC investigated them several years ago and no action was taken.
The CFMEU has lambasted the Pentridge project for years, continuing the criticism on a new website set up in tandem with the royal commission.
