This Month
No repeal, but Coalition open to changing ‘same job same pay’ laws
A Dutton government would assess changes to Labor’s laws as part of a review originally agreed to by the Albanese government, even as Peter Dutton ruled out repealing the legislation.
March
CFMEU to campaign against Dutton despite Labor administration
Despite being under administration, a senior CFMEU officer has told members the union will campaign against Peter Dutton’s threat to deregister the union if elected.
February
Union officials appointed to steer Fair Work under Labor laws
The Albanese government has appointed four more union-aligned officials to the workplace tribunal as it gears up for the federal election.
Homesick FIFO workers earning $190k stir talk of Pilbara unionisation
Sweeping industrial relations changes have inflamed fears among miners that the Pilbara will revert to its recalcitrant past. Unions want a seat at the table in the resource-rich region.
December 2024
Why top litigators are worried about a Dutton government
Litigation funders are worried about a crackdown on class action funding if the Coalition wins next year’s election.
November 2024
‘Ignorant’: Former spy boss hits Liberals over Bali Nine criticism
Dennis Richardson says the AFP’s controversial role in the arrest of the Bali Nine needs to be considered.
AAT lawyer accused of ‘vile language’ in tweets targeting conservatives
The new Administrative Reviews Tribunal deputy president Clare Thompson allegedly abused conservatives on Twitter, and described Liberals as “misogynistic toe rags”.
October 2024
Anthony Albanese, Peter Dutton gather in the court of Kerry Stokes
The Telethon Ball held in Perth on Saturday was the annual pilgrimage for politicians and business figures.
Labor, Coalition clash over laws for lawyers, accountants, realtors
Shadow attorney-general Michaelia Cash roundly criticised plans to expand anti-money laundering laws to the three professions.
September 2024
Dutton’s plan to tear up IR laws on par with Work Choices: Labor
The government says it is prepared to tweak its IR laws, but there will be no wholesale change as it gears up for an election fight on wages.
August 2024
This week showed politics can still work in the national interest
The NDIS breakthrough, the CFMEU deal, and in-principle agreement on aged care reform shows it’s not all about the antics of crossbench issue poseurs or the confected conflict of question time.
Senate blocks CFMEU bill, minister warns assets being shifted
The Coalition and Greens joined forces on Thursday to block the bill to place the CFMEU into administration.
Government close to CFMEU deal after Libs drop inquiry demand
Three sticking points are preventing the passage of legislation to place the CFMEU’s construction divisions into administration.
Government moves to force CFMEU showdown
The government will attempt to force the Senate to vote this week on the CFMEU legislation, after failing to win over either the Greens or the Coalition.
Greens, Libs to play hardball on CFMEU legislation
The union faces three years under administration and big penalties for anyone who tries to interfere. The opposition says the laws are too weak.
Labor warned CFMEU clean-up must go further
Legislation to put the militant construction union into administration will be introduced to Parliament this week but industry groups warned the looming takeover needed to go further.
Builders demand new CFMEU watchdog, but not deregistration
The building lobby wants a new, more powerful industry watchdog, but agrees that deregistering the CFMEU would be counterproductive.
July 2024
Albanese is responsible for the monster that is the CFMEU
A friendly political environment created by the Labor government allows the lawless union to thrive.
‘Good’: PM welcomes Setka resignation after AFR investigation
Anthony Albanese slammed former CFMEU boss John Setka as calls emerged for him to take tougher action against the militant union after allegations reported today.
April 2024
Watchdog drops 30pc of cases against CFMEU
The workplace watchdog has filed no new cases against the construction union for 18 months and has dropped 30 per cent of the cases alleging construction union law-breaking it inherited after Labor’s election.