Organized crime and union corruption have infiltrated Victoria’s taxpayer-funded infrastructure projects, and the recent arrest of a high-ranking bikie gang member has exposed the shocking extent of this issue. But here’s where it gets controversial: Joel Leavitt, a former union official and prominent figure in the Bandidos bikie gang, has been charged with extortion, sparking a heated debate about the government’s failure to tackle this growing problem. This isn’t just a story about one man’s alleged crimes—it’s a wake-up call about the deep-rooted issues plaguing the state’s $100 billion Big Build program.
On Thursday, detectives from Taskforce Hawk, alongside officers from anti-bikie units Echo and Viper, arrested Leavitt, a former Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining, and Energy Union (CFMEU) representative. This operation marks a significant milestone for Taskforce Hawk, which was established 10 months ago following explosive revelations by this publication. We exposed how Victoria’s Labor government had turned a blind eye to organized crime and union corruption, allowing figures like Leavitt to wield immense power over major projects.
Leavitt’s influence was particularly notable during the $530 million Hurstbridge Rail Line Upgrade, where he served as a health and safety official for the CFMEU. And this is the part most people miss: Despite his high-profile role, Leavitt’s appointment in 2019 was never put to an election, and there’s no clear record of him receiving any training. Yet, he earned over $200,000 annually and was provided a government-funded vehicle, which he allegedly used for bikie gang activities instead of worker safety checks.
The arrest comes on the heels of a damning report by corruption lawyer Geoffrey Watson, who revealed that the CFMEU’s lawless behavior has cost taxpayers a staggering $15 billion. Watson described Leavitt as a ‘brutal criminal’ with a troubling record, highlighting his seamless transition between the union and the bikie underworld. Here’s the kicker: Leavitt’s dual role allowed him to exploit both systems, raising questions about how deeply entrenched this corruption truly is.
Leavitt’s arrest is part of a broader investigation into blackmail, with two other Bandidos members charged in connection to a January 2026 incident where a building company was allegedly demanded to pay $663,000. The probe gained momentum after Leavitt was shot at a Rebels bikie clubhouse last year, leading to the seizure of his government-issued vehicle for forensic testing.
But here’s the real question: Why has it taken so long for authorities to act? Industry insiders, speaking anonymously, suggest that gangland syndicates feel untouchable, emboldened by the government’s perceived inaction. This is further evidenced by a recent wave of firebombings targeting construction sites and executives, including a January attack on machinery owned by the Delta Group, a nationwide demolition company.
Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has called for a royal commission into the CFMEU, arguing that the Labor government has allowed criminal elements to flourish. ‘This is organized crime,’ Wilson stated. ‘These are bikies, these are criminals, and they’ve been given free rein.’
As the government faces mounting scrutiny, one thing is clear: the line between unions, bikie gangs, and organized crime has blurred dangerously. What do you think? Is the government doing enough to combat this corruption, or is a royal commission the only way forward? Let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to sign up for breaking news alerts to stay informed on this developing story.
