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Prosecutors Seek Prison for Ex-CFMEU NSW Leaders Over Under-the-Table Cash as Judge Reserves Sentence

Sentencing has been set for November 21 following arguments over imprisonment versus an intensive correction order.

Overview

  • Darren and Michael Greenfield pleaded guilty this year under a deal to corruption-related offences, with Michael also admitting a false statutory declaration over a traffic infringement.
  • The Crown said the bribes were rolled-up bundles of cash passed under a table at the union’s Sydney office, describing a serious breach of trust that damaged the union’s integrity.
  • Prosecutors outlined four payments to Darren totalling $20,000 between November 2018 and June 2020, and two payments to Michael totalling $10,000 in 2019.
  • The cash came from a union member referred to as AF, who sought a commercial edge in tendering, while the defence argued the payments yielded no actual contracts or favoritism.
  • The offences carry maximum penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment under the Fair Work Act, and the case has drawn heightened scrutiny following a 2024 investigation into CFMEU corruption.