Advocating for Administrator to Assume Control of Troubled CFMEU

The federal Labor government is supporting a submission by Australia’s workplace umpire to appoint an administrator to take control of the troubled CFMEU’s general and construction divisions.

“There is no tolerance for criminality or corruption in the construction industry, and bullying, thuggery, and intimidation are unacceptable in any workplace,” stated the new Workplace Minister Murray Watt.

“Legislation will be introduced by the government to facilitate the establishment of an appropriate administration scheme promptly and efficiently,” he added, referring to statements that the Construction, Forestry, and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) were not cooperating.

The Fair Work Commission has requested barrister Mark Irving to be appointed as the independent administrator.

Earlier, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned that the government would grant the Commission sufficient authority to thoroughly investigate the CFMEU.

This comes as the CFMEU continues to attract national attention, with another incident involving a non-union member being attacked at his home after confronting CFMEU officials days earlier.

“If necessary, we are fully prepared to create legislation, and we will do so,” stated the prime minister on Aug. 2.

The CFMEU has refused to cooperate with the Fair Work investigation into allegations of criminal connections, but Albanese insists it must proceed.

“Well, what we’ve said is that the Fair Work Commission is considering the appointment,” he remarked.

“This is necessary to clean up the CFMEU and the situation on construction sites. If needed, we are fully prepared to create legislation, and we will do so,” he added.

Albanese emphasized the government’s desire for a “clean” industry.

“We want an industry where people can work safely, where businesses can operate safely, and we aim to improve the industry,” he stated.

CFMEU Involved in Altercation Outside Major Project

Meanwhile, authorities are looking into the reported home attack on a non-union member who had previously been involved in a scuffle while attempting to breach a CFMEU picket line.

The alleged incident took place around 5 a.m. at the man’s residence in Logan Reserve.

Footage of a clash was broadcast on Aug. 1 involving non-union members pushing through a CFMEU obstacle outside a worksite for Brisbane’s Cross-River Rail project.

The barrier was set up due to failed negotiations concerning enterprise bargaining agreements.

After two men managed to push through, leading to torn uniforms, tensions escalated before physical altercations ensued.

Picket lines by unions are sometimes established to pressure project managers to adopt CFMEU standards on pay and working conditions. Non-union members may be restricted from entering the worksite during these disputes.

As of now, no charges have been filed by the authorities.

The brawl prompted a stern reaction from Queensland Premier Steven Miles, who informed the police commissioner and newly appointed federal industrial relations minister, Murray Watt.

The premier reaffirmed his commitment to appointing an administrator to the troubled CFMEU to eradicate violence and intimidation.

“We are determined to take the necessary steps at the state level to eliminate this violence and intimidation because it is unacceptable,” he declared.

The CFMEU has denied any involvement in the alleged assault.

Earlier in the week, state Opposition Leader David Crisafulli expressed his disappointment with the behavior of the CFMEU on social media.

Crisafulli noted that the Liberal-National Party would aim to reinstate the Productivity Commission if elected so it could review the building industry.

“In the first quarter of this year, more than half of the lost workdays on construction sites nationwide were recorded in our state,” he pointed out.