The Business Council is calling for a judicial inquiry into alleged criminal actions undertaken by the CFMEU, to uncover what has occurred on Government and tax-payer funded building projects.
BCA Chief Executive Bran Black said the allegations uncovered by 60 Minutes, the Sydney Morning Herald / The Age and the Australian Financial Review were deeply concerning.
"The revelations concerning the CFMEU and its alleged criminal actions are deeply troubling and deserve a full, frank and independent judicial inquiry," Mr Black said.
"An inquiry of this nature would have the power to compel documents and witness, which is critical if we are to genuinely get to the bottom of how union officials and criminal organisations have allegedly worked together to profit from Government and taxpayer funded projects."
Mr Black said the Federal Government, and all state governments, should pause any commercial discussions on foot with the CFMEU until these allegations have been properly tested.
"Until these allegations are properly investigated and resolved, the CFMEU shouldn't be able to negotiate any arrangement or contract with any government funded project in the country."
Mr Black said these alleged actions, if found to have occurred, added costs to infrastructure and housing across Australia.
"All Australians suffer when unions undertake this sort of alleged behaviour, drastically pushing up building costs and making it so much harder for Australians to buy a home when we are already in the grip of a cost-of-living crisis.
"Many of our members have very good relations with unions and I acknowledge the good work they do, but this alleged criminal activity is so serious it warrants a full, frank and independent judicial inquiry."
