CFMEU protests, picket lines to continue as state grants new powers to administrator

Minister Grace Grace says there are “very good people” within the CFMEU and declared the state government was not taking the granting of broad powers to an administrator lightly.

CFMEU members will be able to continue picketing worksites and hold large protests after a federal administrator is handed “very broad powers” to clean up the militant union.

The state will amend laws to give the national administrator, appointed by the federal government, access to the Queensland branch of the CFMEU.

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace revealed the action of the union would not change, meaning worksite picket lines and the sight of hundreds of workers marching through the CBD could continue.

CFMEU near the Cross River Rail, Roma St work site.

“Can I say that there are very good people in the CFMEU,” Ms Grace said.

“Those workers are there on our job sites every single day they go to work, they do a fantastic job, and they will be protected under this – they will have a union that will be effective.

“They will still have industrial rights. They will still have industrial instruments and they will still have their agreements in place and we respect the work that they do.”

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace. Picture: John Gass

Under the legislation the administrator would have power to take action if the CFMEU’s action – such as preventing non-aligned workers from entering worksites – breaches industrial law.

Changes to Queensland law will give the administrator power to probe all transactions, require any current or former CFMEU Queensland agent to produce documents and compel a person to assist their investigation.

Anyone who hinders the administrator could face up to two years’ jail.

Ms Grace said the government was assisting the government to provide the administrator “very broad powers” to stamp out bad behaviour.

“This action isn’t taken lightly, but we know the importance of public confidence in the ability of registered industrial organisations to act in accordance with law and to effectively represent their members,” she said.