Former Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) secretary Joshua Peak has been formally charged following an extensive police investigation into an alleged campaign of abusive emails targeting individuals involved in workplace matters.
Court Appearance and Specific Charges
The 42-year-old ex-union leader appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, facing serious allegations related to electronic harassment. Peak stands accused of using an encrypted email service to send threatening and abusive messages to multiple recipients between March and May 2024.
Court documents reveal that the alleged email campaign specifically targeted individuals who were participating in legal workplace processes. The prosecution claims Peak utilized sophisticated methods to conceal his identity, including encrypted communication platforms, though investigators eventually traced the digital trail back to him.
Background and Union Position
Joshua Peak previously served as the South Australian secretary of the CFMEU, one of Australia's most influential trade unions representing construction workers. His tenure with the union spanned several years before his departure earlier this year.
In response to the charges, the CFMEU has moved quickly to distance itself from its former leader. The union released an official statement confirming Peak's departure from the organization and emphasizing that the alleged conduct occurred outside of his union responsibilities.
"The matters before the court relate to personal conduct and not any union activities," a CFMEU spokesperson stated. "The union takes all matters of workplace conduct seriously and has cooperated fully with the investigation."
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The case has drawn significant attention within both legal and industrial relations circles. During Tuesday's hearing, the prosecution outlined the nature of the alleged offenses, describing them as "a sustained campaign of electronic harassment."
Peak's legal team indicated they would be vigorously defending the charges. The defense lawyer told the court they would be challenging both the evidence collection methods and the interpretation of the communications in question.
Magistrate Susan Carter has adjourned the case until January 28, 2026, allowing both legal teams time to prepare their arguments and examine the extensive digital evidence gathered by police.
If convicted, Peak could face substantial penalties under South Australia's harassment laws, including potential imprisonment and significant fines. The case also raises broader questions about accountability for electronic communications and workplace conduct in the digital age.
Legal experts note that this case comes amid increased scrutiny of workplace behavior and electronic communication across Australian industries. The outcome could set important precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future.
