‘No tolerance’: CFMEU to face fresh crackdown

There’s been a fresh push to “clean up” the CFMEU’s construction division, just days after the national union watchdog launched court action.

The embattled CFMEU is set to face a fresh crackdown amid a vow to “clean up” the construction division.

The NSW government has filed an application in the Industrial Court to appoint an administrator for the NSW construction and general division of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union.

A Bill will also be introduced into parliament to amend the Industrial Relations Act 1996 to ensure there aren’t any doubts about the validity or powers of the administrator.

The union’s NSW branch currently has dual registration under the federal and NSW industrial relations systems, sparking the need for action from both the commonwealth and NSW government.

The embattled CFMEU are set to face a fresh crackdown amid a vow to “clean up” the construction division. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the state government had made a number of moves to “clean up” the construction division of the CFMEU, but more was needed.

“We must take the necessary action to protect honest and hardworking construction workers and union members,” he said.

“It is necessary to protect the integrity of the construction sector and unions in NSW.”

An administrator would look after the union’s funds and assets in the interests of members and the industry as well as make changes to the organisation.

The administrator will also perform state secretary duties under the NSW Bill, while office holders will be able to face suspension without remuneration under an administrator appointment of up to five years.

The action reflects Fair Work Commission’s general manager Murray Furlong’s move to appoint an independent administrator to the union’s construction and general division on Friday.

Victoria, Tasmania, NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory and South Australian branches would be appointed an administrator if the Federal Court action is successful.

NSW Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis said the state would work alongside the federal government to ensure the CFMEU was set on the “right path” to represent industries.

“There is absolutely no tolerance for criminal or corrupt behaviour in the construction industry or unions, or anywhere in our state,” she said.

NSW Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Costis says there’s “no tolerance for criminal or corrupt behaviour” in unions. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard.

The NSW Master Builders Association has welcomed the state government’s move, with executive director Brian Seidler urging “all parties to support and not delay this important piece of legislation”.

“We urge the NSW Government to follow through on their commitment of a thorough investigation of current CFMEU pattern Enterprise Bargaining Agreements and ensure they have been genuinely agreed to,” he said.

Mr Seidler also called on the federal government to establish an overarching body to co-ordinate all investigations and inquiries into the union across all levels of government, and said steps should be taken to ensure tenders for building works have been entered into “free from coercion, intimidation and duress”.

“Fixing this once and for all can only be achieved through a comprehensive and co-ordinated approach involving permanent changes to create a range of industry specific laws, enforced by one dedicated industry specific regulator with the tools and powers it needs,” Mr Seidler said.

“It’s clear existing regulators and law enforcement units cannot operate in silos and require collective resources and the removal of legislative barriers.

“We all, whether as employers, workers or union members, deserve to work in an industry that is lawful, safe and free from corruption, coercion, bullying and intimidation.”