Construction sector insiders say the absence of legal protections and the fear of career ramifications mean they cannot afford to come forward and speak to the construction union's administrator.
The Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union's (CFMEU) construction and general division was forced into administration in August after the Nine Network aired allegations the division had been infiltrated by underworld and bikie figures and was rife with intimidation and bullying.
The Fair Work Commission appointed Mark Irving KC as CFMEU administrator to investigate the union's activities and ensure it operates in the interest of members.
As part of that process a call was issued for people to report their experiences, with an anonymous reporting mechanism established.
But insiders have said that fear, coupled with the absence of whistleblower protections for contractors wanting to disclose their experiences with the CFMEU, has left them feeling they cannot risk sharing their experiences in detail.
The federal government has conceded that additional protections may be necessary to combat the "reluctance" some workers have about coming forward.
Having previously been targeted by the CFMEU, one long-time construction sector insider — who has asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons — said there was no way they would come forward to the administrator because doing so would put them right back in the union branch's sights.
The insider, who has worked on major...
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