Hakoah tender process continues as CFMEU intervenes in project
The CFMEU (Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining, and Energy Union) has threatened to disrupt construction of Sydney’s long-delayed Hakoah Jewish community hub in White City, escalating tensions in an already complex dispute between the Hakoah Club and builder Parkview Constructions.
In 2022, White City Project Director Robert Woolf hands over keys to White City to Parkview Constructions Project Manager Michael Kandylas responsible for the delivery of the new Hakoah
Facing multiple allegations of corruption, the CFMEU has aligned with Parkview in this conflict, raising concerns about the union’s motivations and its relationship with the construction giant. The union’s involvement, which includes the possibility of protests, has intensified fears that the situation could spiral out of control, particularly with the allegation that pro-Palestinian demonstrators might join the protests.
This afternoon, Hakoah President, Steven Lowy issued a statement stating “Whilst we continue to try to work through this matter, we are currently engaged in a thorough tender process to identify and appoint a new builder who will complete the project with dedication to cost, quality and timelines.
An update will be provided as soon as practicable once a new builder has been selected and a transition plan is in place.”
The $95 million development, financed by community donations and government grants, has been plagued by delays. Earlier this year, the Hakoah Club terminated its contract with Parkview, citing performance issues. “We were left with no choice but to seek a new builder,” a Hakoah Club spokesperson said. “The delays were impacting our ability to complete this crucial community project.”
The CFMEU’s involvement has further complicated matters. Union boss Darren Greenfield, who is currently facing corruption charges, has threatened protests at the construction site on behalf of Parkview and the subcontractors. In a leaked email to Sydney Grammar School’s Edgecliff Preparatory School, which is near the site, Greenfield warned of potential disruptions. “We had hoped for a resolution between the parties, but unfortunately, no agreement has been reached,” he wrote.
This potential protest, coupled with the involvement of anti-Israel demonstrators, has alarmed the Jewish community, particularly given the historical significance of the Hakoah Club. In 1982, the club’s former Bondi location was the target of a Palestinian terrorist bombing. “Given the current climate and recent tensions in the Middle East, this situation needs to be handled with care,” said one concerned community leader.
“Trying to use the Middle East conflict to intimidate a Jewish organisation and threatening them with pro-Palestine protesters is not only very divisive and dangerous, but it’s also an appalling antisemitic way of targeting a Jewish organisation,” Labor MP Josh Burns told The Australian Financial Review.
Independent MP for Wentworth Allegra Spender told J-Wire: “Over the last two weeks, I have been working closely with the Hakoah Club to deal with these escalating threats from the CFMEU.
The media has shone a light on very serious integrity issues and the pattern of thuggery and intimidation by the CFMEU at the national level.
Now we can see what that means at a local level.
A building dispute has nothing to do with a war overseas, but the CFMEU has attempted to use the conflict as intimidation and leverage in this dispute.
I have written to the Prime Minister to demand he take action on the CFMEU.
I will continue to work for long-term reform.”
The CFMEU’s involvement is especially controversial due to its ongoing legal troubles. Greenfield and the union are implicated in a broader corruption investigation. Police allege that Greenfield secured union support for Parkview in exchange for hiring a subcontractor linked to him, who is suspected of paying bribes. Although there is no suggestion that Parkview was aware of these alleged practices, the relationship between the union and the construction firm has raised significant concerns.
Despite the allegations, Greenfield maintains his innocence and continues to lead the union. “Mr. Greenfield denies any wrongdoing and remains focused on advocating for our members,” a union representative stated. However, the controversy has intensified calls for reform within the CFMEU, with the federal government pushing for legislation that could force the union into administration.
Despite the standoff with Parkview and the CFMEU, Hakoah continues its determination to move forward with the project to provide a Jewish community hub for Sydney.
