What you said about crackdown on CFMEU ahead of administrator clean-up

The CFMEU has been warned that fines and prison could await anyone who interferes with cleaning up the militant union – but many aren’t convinced the threat will be followed through. HAVE YOUR SAY

The CFMEU has been warned that fines and prison could await anyone who interferes with cleaning up the militant union – but many aren’t convinced the threat will be followed through.

In an exclusive interview newly appointed Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt said proposed legislation was due to be introduced to parliament next week given “early signs” the CFMEU did not intend to consent to an application from the Fair Work Commissioner to appoint an administrator to clean up the union.

He warned fines of up to $4.6 million and two years in prison await CFMEU officials who attempt to interfere with the administrator tasked with cleaning up the union under new laws Labor will pursue in response to alleged criminal infiltration of branches.

Destroying business records or membership lists, transferring assets to hide them and other actions that “obstruct or frustrate” the administration work would result in massive fines for the organisation and up to $1m in penalties for individuals, it can be revealed.

Labor has backed a Fair Work Commission application to place six CFMEU divisions into administration. Picture: Glenn Campbell/NcaNewsWire

Mr Watt said the “severe fines” should send a “strong signal to officials of the union and those connected to the union that they should not be getting in the way of the administrator”.

“This is … to deter people who want to do the wrong thing,” he said.

CFMEU Queensland secretary Michael Ravbar previouslyaccused Mr Watt and the Albanese Government of launching a “full-frontal attack on the waves and conditions of tens of thousands of workers”.

However many readers weren’t buying the tough talk.

Some claimed it was a “wet lettuce” approach, while others feared Queensland’s Labor Premier Steven Miles wouldn’t go along with the plan.

However some readers suggested it was about time the CFMEU was threatened – but it still didn’t go far enough.

See what you had to say and join the conversation below >>>

WHAT YOU SAID

This means nothing

John

All smoke and mirrors, nothing will be done, bring on the election and let the voters sort it out.

Desmond

Labor will do nothing.

Uncle Bob proud Queensland man

Tough talk but at best they’ll get slapped with a wet lettuce leaf.

Ross

The wet lettuce strategy in full swing

Burned out …

This is all pretend. This government will never bite the hand that feeds it. It will pretend to be tough but that’s all. Out the door in ‘24!

Saying It As It Is

Miles will never make this happen.

We need more!

Leah

If you are serious Albo, reinstate the ABCC alongside the administrators. Fines and even jail time for some of these people are unfortunately not incentive enough. It’s the ongoing policing of their behaviour once the administrators leave that is needed to keep them accountable.

Garry

Labor have been dragged kicking and screaming to the point that they will actually acknowledge the very obvious CFMEU issues, even then it’s just for the optics, don’t expect them to actually do anything.

robert

Destroy this mob financially what are any of these union leaders going to do if they have to actually work instead of stopping others from working.

Ted

Fine them??? It’s only the union members $$ so they won’t care!! They’re great at wasting that money

Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt says fines and jail time are the deterrent to prevent CFMEU official or associates attempting to obstruct administrator. Picture: David Clark

Pain coming for CFMEU

Peter

CFMEU members could be in for some long term pain as the private investment money starts to dry up. They can’t keep making it unprofitable for developers. and taxpayers will resist overpriced infrastructure.

Mick

Good work by Albo and Labor. The CFMEU need to be dragged back into line.

clint

I’m a proud union member but this union has been running amock for many many years now. Bout time they got a tune up

Richard

About time, assuming they actually do it!