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Walkley Award-winning journalists Nick McKenzie and Ben Schneiders go inside the investigation that rocked the CFMEU and sparked a Royal Commission into the construction sector.
In 2024, journalists Nick McKenzie and Ben Schneiders launched an explosive investigation into allegations of corruption and organised crime within the CFMEU, one of Australia's most powerful construction unions. In their reporting, whistleblowers and witnesses pointed to the union's links with outlaw bikie gangs and underworld figures, sending shockwaves through Victorian politics and the construction industry.
The fallout was profound: Victorian CFMEU leader John Setka resigned, the union’s construction arm was placed into administration, and Victoria established a Royal Commission into the sector. In Building Bad, McKenzie and Schneiders reveal the story behind the investigation – the whistleblowers, the death threats and the questions that remain unanswered.
In this edition of The Fifth Estate, these decorated journalists join host Sally Warhaft to discuss their reporting and the enduring role of investigative journalism in holding powerful institutions to account.
Presented in partnership with Melbourne Press Club
Event and Ticketing Details
Dates & Times
Wednesday 18 November
6.30 - 7.45pm
Tickets
$25.50
Full
$19.50
Concession
$19.50
Under 30
Members get standard 10% discount across all reserves.
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For more information on Memberships, click here.
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Location
Accessibility
Accessible toilets available
Assistive Listening
Auslan interpreting available by-request
Companion tickets available
Registered Assistance Animals welcome
Wheelchair accessible
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Please notify us of all access requirements when booking online so we can assist you with your visit. If you require further information, please contact ticketing@wheelercentre.com.
Additional Notes
Nick McKenzie and Ben Schneiders will be signing books after the event.
Melbourne was designated the world’s second UNESCO City of Literature in 2008. As part of this global network, we strive to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, a set of 17 goals designed to promote fairness, health and environmental sustainability worldwide.
This event addresses Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
Featuring
Nick McKenzie
Nick McKenzie is one of the nation's most decorated investigative journalists, having been named Australian Journalist of the Year on four separate occasions. Over two decades, he has ...
Ben Schneiders
Ben Schneiders is a Gold Walkley award-winning investigative journalist who has reported extensively on wage theft, corruption, business, politics and the labour movement. He previously ...
Sally Warhaft
Sally Warhaft is a Melbourne broadcaster, anthropologist and writer. She is the host of The Fifth Estate, the Wheeler Centre’s live series focusing on journalism, politics, media, and international relations, and The Leap ...