The CFMEU’s ACT branch has been placed into full administration and its leader – an outspoken critic of changes at the broader union – demoted in a shock move responding to a sharp fall in membership.

CFMEU administrator Mark Irving, KC, notified ACT staff on Tuesday he had terminated the delegation of acting ACT secretary Michael Hiscox to manage the affairs of the branch after an 18 per cent drop in membership and a projected $500,000 loss.