Explained: What administration means for CFMEU Qld

The Queensland branch of the CFMEU will be been placed into administrator, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed. This is what it means for the militant union.

The Queensland CFMEU will be placed into administration, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed.

Fair Work Commission general manager Murray Furlong has been appointed as the independent administrator of the CFMEU nationally.

It is understood individual administrators will soon be appointed to each CFMEU branch in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, with Victoria also encompassing South Australia and Tasmania branches.

What role will administrators play?

Administrators will have ultimate control over each branch organisation and will report to Mr Furlong.

The Queensland branch of the CFMEU has been placed into administration.

The Queensland administrator will have access to all financial, employment and inventory files within the Queensland CFMEU and will be tasked with investigating the branches financial position, including all project assets, debts and EBA contract agreements.

What are the direct impacts to the CFMEU?

Administrators will also oversee all daily operations of the organisation, including external and internal communication, contract works and project scheduling.

The CFMEU will be allowed to operate without regulation during the administration process unless otherwise directed.

Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke. Picture: Martin Ollman

What could be the end result?

Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke has requested the Australian Federal Police to work in conjunction with the Queensland Police should any corruption or illegal activity be uncovered during the administration period.

“Any action that the general manager (Mr Furlong) takes – with respect to any part of the construction division of the CFMEU – I, as minister, will intervene in support of that action,” Mr Burke said.

What does it mean for federal Labor’s relationship with the CFMEU?

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Labor Party would suspend all engagement with the CFMEU.

“That will occur through the National Executive, which will be convened over the coming days,” he said.

What are the Queensland-specific impacts?

Mr Albanese said the federal-imposed administration meant Premier Steven Miles, who resisted calls to launch a state investigation into the Queensland CFMEU, would now not need to wait on advice from Victorian police.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Picture: Dan Peled

Mr Albanese did not confirm whether any evidence of corruption within the Queensland CFMEU had been uncovered, but said the branch had been included to “stamp out this corruption once and for all”.