The CFMEU administrator, Mark Irving KC, sent two teams of investigators away, despite their mission to uncover corruption in the union.
Two teams of investigators with experience in integrity were assembled, but were swiftly disbanded, leaving serious misconduct allegations unaddressed for months.
One source said Irving was concerned that seeking more powers from the federal government could risk reviving calls for the coalition's Australian Building and Construction Commission.
A former AFP officer, Chris Craner, was recruited to help investigate wrongdoing at the CFMEU, but the investigation was ultimately abandoned.
Author's summary: CFMEU corruption investigation disbanded abruptly.