Fair Work Commission General Manager Murray Furlong has appointed Michael Crosby as Administrator of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) Construction and General Division.

He replaces Mark Irving KC, who resigned just 20 months into his role.

Having been a union official for the past 50 years, Crosby has held multiple leadership roles across Australia, North America, the UK and The Neverlands.

His most recent appointment has been as administrator of the CFMEU in NSW and the ACT, where he has worked to transform the union’s culture and return the organisation to its roots of principled action in defence of construction workers.

During this time, he has overseen a substantial turnover of organising staff and brought in new talent which is untainted by the behaviour of the previous leadership, Furlong said in a statement.

The latest appointment comes as the Construction and General Division of CFMEU is mid-way through a period of administration.

In August 2024, the Albanese Government placed the union into administration following allegations of widespread misconduct and corruption, including alleged ties to outlaw motorcycle gangs.

Set to run for between three and five years, the administration aims to restore lawful, ethical and democratic governance whilst ensuring that the union continues to safely represent its members.

Once the administration is finished, the union will be returned back to its members.

Initially, Mark Irving KC was appointed as the union’s administrator.

However, Irving resigned last month just 20 months into his role.

In his resignation latter to the Fair Work Commission, Irving said that he believed that the administration had largely finished its initial cleanup phase.

For the next ‘rebuild’ phase, he said that an experienced union professional was needed rather than a lawyer.

Irving’s tenure has also involved personal health scares and death threats.

In terms of the former, Irving suffered two hart attacks during his stint as administrator and underwent surgery for ongoing cardiac issues.

Meanwhile, death threats that were allegedly made against him by figures continued to the union’s criminal elements meant that he needed to operate under continuous, 24-hour security protection.

In a statement, Furlong expressed confidence that Crosby is the right man to lead the administration going forward.

“I am satisfied that Mr Crosby will continue the important work towards returning the C&G Division to lawful operation,” Furlong said.

“I am confident that he will instill good governance and voluntary compliance with the law, while ensuring the C&G Division effectively advocates for and supports and assists its members.”

Industry leaders welcomed Crosby’s appointment.

Peter Colacino, CEO of the Australian Constructors Association (ACA), said that the swift appointment was critical in order to maintain the reform momentum which is currently underway.

“There is a genuine opportunity to build on the progress achieved to date and deliver lasting change across the sector,” Colacino said.

“Improving industrial relations is central to creating a productive, modern, high-performing and sustainable industry.

“The construction industry should not tolerate behaviours that would be unacceptable in any other workplace. Safe, respectful and lawful worksites are essential, and they go hand in hand with delivering projects efficiently.”

Colacino also stressed that whilst the administration has been an important step, it is not a long-term solution in itself.

“Sustainable change will rely on strong governance, clear and enforceable standards, and a regulatory framework that provides consistent oversight,” he said.

“The consultation on new construction industry standards presents an important opportunity to embed reform and set clear expectations across the industry.

“This is about putting in place a durable framework that supports better outcomes for everyone involved including the broader community.”