A veteran official has taken over as administrator of Australia's embattled construction union following his predecessor's shock resignation.
The Fair Work Commission has appointed Michael Crosby to oversee a clean-up of the CFMEU following the departure of barrister Mark Irving KC.
Mr Crosby, who had been serving as interim administrator, has five decades of experience as a union official.
The CFMEU's construction and general division was placed into administration by the Albanese government in 2024 following allegations of corruption, coercion and links to organised crime.
Mr Irving was appointed administrator in August 2024 and commissioned multiple investigations into allegations of wrongdoing at the union.
He received death threats during his tenure, with the federal government spending millions to fund his personal security.
Mr Irving announced his resignation in April after overseeing the first stage of reforms aimed at restructuring the union and restoring internal controls.
In a statement under the union's letterhead, Mr Crosby said his predecessor had laid the groundwork for its future.
"Mr Irving's tireless leadership of the CFMEU through the most challenging period in the union's recent history has positioned the union to enter a new and important phase," he said.
Mr Crosby will be charged with overseeing the second stage of the union's administration, a task he says will benefit from an injection of new talent.
"The new phase of the administration requires us to embed the achievements to date and begin a different phase of reform," he said.
"New personnel are now moving into place to implement the systems and processes required to ensure the union can operate lawfully, ethically, and eventually democratically.
"This implementation stage requires a different set of skills within the administration and within the union."
Employer groups said the administration must continue pursuing reform and removing criminal conduct from the building industry.
Master Builders Australia acting chief executive Melissa Byrne said there could be no place for crime, corruption or coercion in the union.
"As Master Builders has said, administration was the first step, not the only step and the new administrator and the federal government must deliver meaningful reform," she said.
Australian Constructors Association chief executive Peter Colacino welcomed the "swift" appointment, noting it would help consolidate Mr Irving's efforts.
"There is a genuine opportunity to build on the progress achieved to date and deliver lasting change across the sector," he said.
Despite stepping back from the top posting, Mr Irving will continue to serve the administration as senior counsel.
