CFMEU seeks talks with Fair Work over administrator bid

The union says any period of administration must be in the interests of members.

CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith is seeking talks with Fair Work general manager Murray Furlong. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith is seeking talks with Fair Work Commission general manager Murray Furlong to discuss the commission’s bid to put up to five of the union’s construction divisions into administration.

In a letter to Mr Furlong on Monday, Mr Smith said he wanted to arrange a meeting before Mr Furlong made an application to the Federal Court to place the ­divisions under the control of an independent administrator.

As well as using the meeting to tell Mr Furlong what action the CFMEU was taking in response to the various allegations against the union, Mr Smith said he wanted “to discuss with you what your proposal for any period of administration would look like”.

“Any period of administration must be in the interests of our members and future strength and capacity of our union,” he wrote, in a letter that has been obtained by The Australian

“I wish to understand what your proposal would mean for the day-to-day work of the union, in order to ensure that short and long-term rights of our members – and their democratic rights within the union – are protected.”

Mr Smith said the CFMEU’s day-to-day work representing construction workers was “vital and at times life-saving work” and it must continue.

“This work is overwhelmingly done by decent and committed people who must be supported to continue to deliver positive outcomes for members,” he said.

“I want to ensure our union remains a strong, unified and effective union in construction, answerable and accountable to members.”

Mr Smith’s letter followed the union’s NSW and Queensland construction divisions attacking the Albanese government’s support for placing them into administration. The Queensland branch is considering opposing Mr Furlong’s application, opening the way for Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke to act on his threat of special legislation to fast-track the external appointment.

In a statement to The Australian on Monday, Mr Smith confirmed the union had written to Mr Furlong “regarding their public announcement that they would be seeking the appointment of external administrators”.

The Australian revealed last week that Mr Smith had sacked eight Victorian union delegates who are members of outlaw motor­cycle gangs, or are people closely affiliated with them.

Sources said the sackings ­occurred in recent days after Mr Smith took control of the Victorian branch following allegations it had been infiltrated by criminal elements connected to underworld figures and bikies.

NDIS Minister Bill Shorten told the ABC’s 7.30 last week that a fit and proper person test for not only CFMEU officials but for voluntary positions in the union should be considered.

RMIT law professor Anthony Forsyth on Sunday backed the test suggestion applying to construction industry officials.