CFMEU leaders shunted
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The federal government has placed the Construction and General Division of the CFMEU under administration.
Following a series of allegations linking the union to criminal activities, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus has cited “public interest” in his crackdown.
The administration will be led by Mark Irving KC, appointed as the independent administrator.
His task is to restore the CFMEU's operations across all branches, including those in Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, to lawful standards.
This measure will remain in place for up to five years.
The decision comes on the heels of high-profile investigations that revealed more than 20 CFMEU members had been suspended due to allegations of criminal infiltration within the union.
The media reports were followed by swift legislative action, with the Coalition supporting the government's bill to impose tighter controls on the CFMEU.
Notably, the legislation includes a ban on the union making political donations during the administration period and requires the administrator to report to Parliament every six months.
Murray Furlong, General Manager of the Fair Work Commission (FWC), says that the administration aims to “embed within organisations a culture of good governance and voluntary compliance with the law”.
He said the FWC is committed to working transparently with Mr Irving to ensure the CFMEU's effective operation in the future.
While the federal government's action has garnered support from industry bodies like Master Builders Australia, who described it as “a long time coming”, it has also sparked significant controversy.
Former CFMEU boss John Setka, in a televised interview over the weekend, accused the government of betraying him, alleging a secret deal had been made with former Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke.
According to Setka, the deal assured that his resignation would prevent the union from being placed under administration - a claim that has not been corroborated by government officials.
As the administration unfolds, its impact on the union's 270 volunteer officers and 11 paid officials, who have been removed from their positions, will be closely watched.
Protests are expected this week.
Further details are expected to emerge from a Directions Hearing scheduled for 6 September 2024 at the Federal Court of Australia in Melbourne.