The Labor Party's national executive has taken decisive action to distance itself from the powerful Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) amidst allegations of criminal infiltration.
The leadership unanimously resolved to suspend the construction division's affiliation with the ALP branches in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania until further notice.
ALP national secretary Paul Erickson emphasized the gravity of the situation, warning that the suspension could extend to other branches if necessary. "The number one job of any union and its officials is to look after its members. The reported behavior is the complete opposite of this," Erickson stated.
The CFMEU has been engulfed in scandal following reports by Nine newspapers alleging the union's infiltration by underworld figures.
This week, the Australian Council of Trade Unions suspended the construction and general division of the CFMEU and called for its leaders to support the appointment of an independent administrator.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a member of the national executive, defended the swift action taken, denying any delay in responding to the allegations.
"Where we see corrupt conduct, we want it stamped out. And that's why we've taken this direct action very swiftly."
Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke confirmed government support for a Fair Work Commission bid to appoint an administrator to overhaul the construction division. Should this effort fail, the government plans to introduce new laws to ensure effective action.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton criticized the measures as insufficient, calling for the deregistration of the CFMEU. However, Albanese argued that appointing an administrator would be more effective in eliminating corruption, as deregistration would leave the union operating without proper regulation.
The Fair Work Ombudsman has been tasked with investigating allegations related to the making of enterprise agreements, including claims of coercion. Additionally, the Australian Federal Police has been requested to investigate the allegations and collaborate with state police.
The CFMEU's Victorian, NSW, and Queensland branches have all paused accepting donations from the union's construction division. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced her state party would introduce tougher anti-bikie laws next month, while Queensland Premier Steven Miles confirmed he would neither meet with nor accept donations from the CFMEU during the investigation.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr and NSW Premier Chris Minns have also taken similar stances, with Minns moving to eject the CFMEU from the party. Federal Labor frontbencher Tim Ayers emphasized the party's determination to act with integrity, supporting the wishes of the premiers to block CFMEU donations and affiliations.
Amidst these developments, Victorian union boss John Setka resigned ahead of the revelations, and CFMEU national boss Zach Smith defended Setka's legacy while opposing the need for external administrators. Smith maintained that the union is capable of addressing the allegations internally.
The Fair Work Ombudsman will conduct a targeted review of all enterprise agreements made by the Victorian branch of the CFMEU's construction division that apply to major projects in the state. The federal government's actions, combined with internal union measures, aim to address and rectify the serious allegations against the CFMEU, ensuring the integrity of the Labor Party and the broader union movement.
