Mother Seeks Justice for Son’s Tragic Death on CFMEU Site

A heartbreaking incident has left Tammie Palmer, a mother from Ringwood North, shattered as she seeks justice for the tragic death of her son, Ben. Ben, a young man with mental health issues, had his first day on a CFMEU government worksite, leading to devastating consequences.

According to Palmer, Ben, who was a proud Gunditjmara teen, faced relentless bullying on the CFMEU site, allegedly due to wearing a shirt from a small Indigenous construction firm he had previously worked for. The firm’s affiliation with the AWU, a rival union, may have sparked animosity towards Ben.

Palmer claimed that Ben was mistreated to the extent that it drove him to an overdose, resulting in his untimely death before his 19th birthday. She alleged that the CFMEU culture of hostility and bullying played a significant role in Ben’s tragic demise.

Furthermore, disturbing videos obtained by 9News showcased a similar pattern of mistreatment, with Ben’s former boss from the Indigenous firm facing harassment from a CFMEU official at a separate site. The toxic environment at CFMEU worksites, as highlighted by Palmer, has raised concerns about workplace safety and culture.

An in-depth investigation by 9News and Nine newspapers unveiled alarming security footage of ex-CFMEU boss John Setka engaged in intimidating behavior, including dumping a suitcase labeled ‘Leo the dog’ outside the home of senior union official Leo Skourdoumbis. These actions underscore a culture of fear and intimidation within the union.

Despite facing safety concerns, Tammie Palmer remains resolute in her quest for justice, emphasizing the need for accountability and change within the construction industry. She advocates for a workplace environment that prioritizes kindness and respect to prevent further tragedies like Ben’s from occurring.

At the North Ringwood Junior Football Club, where Ben was involved, community members are rallying together to address mental health challenges and promote a supportive environment for youth. Chris Leahy from the club emphasized the role of sports clubs as sanctuaries for individuals experiencing mental health issues.