MP Claims Administrator is Inadequate to Handle CFMEU Clean-up

Independent MP Zoe Daniel has cautioned that appointing an administrator won’t be sufficient to bring about change in the CFMEU and is calling for a new watchdog to oversee the troubled union.

A series of reports in Nine newspapers have accused the CFMEU’s construction division of engaging in corrupt practices, having ties to organized crime, and resorting to intimidation on construction sites.

Despite the Fair Work Commission’s plan to appoint an administrator to manage the union, Ms. Daniel doubts that all issues will be adequately addressed.

While the opposition is advocating for the reinstatement of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) to regulate the industry, Ms. Daniel believes a different entity is necessary.

Speaking on ABC’s Insiders program, she expressed her skepticism about the effectiveness of the ABCC, stating that it had become too mired in politics to be truly effective.

Ms. Daniel suggested the need for a joint state and federal police task force to investigate criminal allegations and dismantle any existing wrongdoing.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor maintains that simply appointing an administrator is not enough and urges Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to take stronger action.

Assistant Energy Minister Jenny McAllister, however, defends the decision to appoint an administrator as the appropriate course of action, arguing that deregistration could allow the same individuals to continue their activities unchecked.

In response to the situation, the national executive of the Labor Party has prohibited donations from the CFMEU’s construction division and suspended the division from the Victorian Labor Party at the request of the Victorian government.

Further measures include an examination of the construction industry’s culture by former acting commissioner Greg Wilson, and the initiation of an Independent Construction Sector Review by the state government.

This review aims to establish processes to safeguard whistleblowers and complainants reporting criminal or unethical behavior in the construction sector.

The Victorian government has also alerted law enforcement agencies to investigate the allegations raised against the CFMEU.

Amidst these developments, controversial union leader John Setka resigned from his position at the CFMEU citing media attacks and false accusations.