Labour contractor questioned by police amid probe into allegations Queensland CFMEU officials bribed

A Victorian company director has been questioned by police as they probe allegations a labour hire contractor bribed current Queensland union officials. 

Police raided the CFMEU Queensland headquarters at Bowen Hills and properties in Logan and the Gold Coast this morning, as well as properties at Pascoe Vale, Mount Eliza and Oakleigh South in Victoria.  

Kim Mellech, the 47-year-old director of Top Up Labour Hire, was arrested and questioned by police this morning. 

She has since been released without charge pending further investigations.

Detectives will prepare a brief of evidence for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions for the Commonwealth offence of giving, receiving or soliciting a corrupting benefit. 

Her husband, the former owner of Top Up Labour Hire, was also arrested and charged with making a false document as part of a separate investigation.   

He has since been released.

Top Up Labour Hire has been the subject of allegations of corrupt conduct before.

Steve Mellech, 46, was named in CFMEU investigator Geoffrey Watson’s report into union corruption and accused of allegedly giving gifts to Victorian union official John Perkovic in exchange for favourable treatment.

Mr Perkovic’s home was raided by federal police last week. No charges have been laid.

Mr Watson alleged that Mr Mellech paid for Mr Perkovic’s home insurance for a year, and gifted him a Falcon GT worth more than $100,000 in his report tabled at a Queensland inquiry into the CFMEU.

Mr Watson alleged in return, the CFMEU supported Top Up Labour and directed contractors to use the firm.

Today’s raids were connected to an investigation that began in July.

A 33-year-old from Pascoe Vale was also arrested and charged with matters unrelated to the investigation.

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Taskforce Hawk’s Detective Inspector Ross Mitchell said their “focus was on eradicating criminality … from the construction industry”. 

“Those who are in the industry deserve to work in a fair and safe environment at all times,” he said.

“Taskforce detectives will also continue to work closely with other agencies, including our law enforcement partners interstate, to ensure all those involved in this type of offending are fully investigated.”

In a statement, a CFMEU spokesperson said the union “has been made aware of a police investigation this morning and will cooperate fully”. 

Today’s raid on the CFMEU Queensland headquarters included officers seconded to the the Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU and Misconduct in the Construction Industry. 

Senior Counsel Assisting Patrick Wheelahan KC said the Commission worked closely with police when information gathered by the inquiry raises potential criminal conduct. 

“Today’s operation demonstrates that information provided to the Commission can be investigated and, where appropriate, acted upon by police,” he said. 

Asked about today’s raid, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli declined to comment because it was a police matter.

Speaking about the union generally, he said, “the more I see about the CFMEU, the more I realise that they don’t play by the same rules as others”.

A Queensland inquiry into alleged corruption at the union is due to resume next month. The Commission of Inquiry has been extended to December 2027.