Union cops charges

THE CFMMEU and its ACT branch secretary Jason O’Mara have been hit with criminal charges over alleged cartel conduct.

It follows an investigation by the Australian Federal Police and the consumer watchdog the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission stemming from the royal commission into union corruption.

ACCC boss Rod Sims said the union and Mr O’Mara were charged with attempting to induce suppliers of steel-fixing services and scaffolding services to reach cartel contracts in relation to services provided to builders.

It relates to specific conduct in the ACT in 2012 and 2013.