Call for Greens MP to ‘explain’ himself after fiery pro-CFMEU address

A Greens MP says he was supporting workers “deprived of their basic right to a democratic, independent union” when he gave a fiery address at a CFMEU rally.

Federal ministers have lashed out at Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather after he called Labor and Coalition politicians “radicals” in fiery remarks to a pro-CFMEU rally in Brisbane.

Thousands of unionists swarmed the streets of the nation’s capitals on Tuesday to protest the federal government forcing arms of the union into administration, with demonstrators chanting “f**k Albo” and “f**k the ALP (Australian Labor Party)”.

In his address, Mr Chandler-Mather told protesters the Albanese government was using “untested allegations to attack an entire union”, and accused Labor and Coalition of behaving “as judge, jury and executioner.”

But Finance Minister Katy Gallagher hit back on Wednesday morning, telling the ABC the allegations of widespread corruption in the CFMEU and its links to criminal gangs had been well laid out in parliament.

Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather called his Labor and Liberal colleagues ‘radicals’ at a pro-CFMEU rally in Brisbane. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

“I think that Greens MP has to explain for himself why he thought it was appropriate for him to really associate himself with serious allegations of violence, intimidation and misogyny,” she told the ABC on Wednesday morning.

“We know that Greens MP loves to grandstand.

“He’s never come across a stage he doesn’t want to jump upon and scream from.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was depicted as Adolf Hitler in a placard waved at the same rally Mr Chandler-Mather addressed.

Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt condemned some of the imagery at the protest, telling the ABC it highlighted the “culture that has developed”.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was depicted as Adolf Hitler at the same rally Mr Chandler-Mather addressed in Brisbane. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

“I don’t think that reflects well on the CFMEU construction division,” he said.

“And again, it confirms the kind of culture that has developed under its current leadership, which, through the administration process, has been removed.”

Senator Watt said it also reflected badly on Mr Chandler-Mather.

“When you share a stage with a group, you make a choice, and you’re endorsing the culture and behaviour of that organisation,” Senator Watt said.

But Mr Chandler-Mather denied any sympathy for wrongdoers in the CFMEU, saying the Greens were “appalled by allegations of corruption and misogyny and we condemn those actions in the strongest possible terms”.

“These allegations are serious and need to be prosecuted through the courts,” he told NewsWire.

“But Labor and the Liberals have rammed through a Bill that seizes control of an entire union, and sacked workers that haven’t even faced allegations of wrongdoing, setting a shocking precedent that overrides natural justice and the rule of law.”

He said he spoke at the rally to support the vast majority of construction workers who have not faced any allegations, but have been “deprived of their basic right to a democratic, independent union and natural justice”.

Greens leader Adam Bandt also defended Mr Chandler-Mather, telling the National Press Club his colleague was at the rally to support CFMEU members, and not to stand up for union officials.

Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt, with ACTU Secretary Sally McManus, has called out a Greens MP for taking part in the rally. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

After striking a deal with the Coalition, the Albanese government last week passed snap legislation giving it powers to force the CFMEU’s construction and general arms into administration for a minimum of three years.

The Greens vehemently opposed the Bill, calling it “flawed and draconian laws that threaten fundamental rights”.

Since the union was compelled to accept a Fair Work-appointed administrator on Friday, 300 CFMEU officials have been stood down.