Nigel Davies, once a top Victorian CFMEU construction coordinator, was dismissed by administrator Michael Crosby and Victorian branch chief Matthew MacGowan amid allegations of mistreating fellow unionist Paolo Giumarra.

Ongoing Senate estimates discussions highlight investigations into corruption, theft, and workplace-relations breaches on major Victorian infrastructure projects.

The sacking signals a potentially tougher reform phase for the Victorian CFMEU as Crosby pushes to overhaul leadership and address integrity concerns tied to the national union cleanup under the Albanese government.

The misconduct allegations include pressuring Giumarra to step off the LeavePlus board, replacing him with Dave Noonan, and concerns about director’s fees and a $5,000 hospitality benefit.

Davies had been brought out of retirement to run the Victorian branch after the previous coordinator was sacked for corruption, and his removal underscores Crosby’s decisive leadership.

Crosby, installed by the Fair Work Commission, has been aggressively reforming the CFMEU in other states and is now directing a revival in Victoria amid ongoing corruption probes.

Davies allegedly threatened to reveal the $5,000 benefit after Giumarra refused to exit the board and was accused of removing Giumarra from his union delegate role, actions compared to historical ‘black bans’ under John Setka.