A man has taken his own life at a West Melbourne building site, hours after a construction shutdown was announced.
The body of a man was found at a Spencer St work site about 7am on Tuesday.
It’s understood he took his life at the Crema Construction site located near Roden St.
A source with knowledge of the death said: “This wasn’t a workplace accident, it was a suicide”.
Police will prepare a report for the Coroner and Worksafe is investigating.
“Emergency services were called to the Spencer St address following the discovery of the man’s body sometime after 7am,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
“Sadly, the man, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene.”
The tradesman’s death is expected to supercharge the protest outside CFMEU headquarters today.
A message circulating among angry tradies reads: “Breaks my f—n heart. His blood is on Dan Andrews hands.”
“May you rest in peace and your mind be at ease brother.
“Today we protest in your name and in your honour.”
The death comes as the closure of worksites in Melbourne, Ballarat, Geelong, Mitchell Shire and the Surf Coast is expected to cripple the state’s construction industry and devastate families.
Property Council of Australia Victoria executive director Danni Hunter said the lockdown could cost $1.1bn per week, with approximately 300, 000 Victorians employed in the property and construction sector.
The industry shutdown was announced amid a wild and violent protest outside CFMEU headquarters in the CBD on Monday.
About 500 angry protesters lashed out at the union over mandatory vaccines rules which start on Thursday.
Riot police were forced to step in and fire rubber bullets at protesters, who on Tuesday morning began gathering again outside Melbourne’s CFMEU headquarters.
Crema Constructions declined to comment about the death.
Source: Herald Sun
