The federal government will introduce laws to force the CFMEU to accept an administrator, after the construction union failed to consent to doing so.
Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt said "urgent action" was needed after the construction union failed to accept the application for an administrator to be appointed, after allegations the CFMEU had engaged in bullying, intimidation, and had allowed outlaw motorcycle gang members to act as delegates on large projects.
"There has been ample time for the CFMEU to decide whether they want to cooperate with the government … the time for delay, the time for messing about is over," Senator Watt said.
"Urgent action is required, and it is required now."
Senator Watt said it had been clear from the CFMEU's response to date that it would take "far too long" to wait for the application for an administrator to progress through the courts.
The legislation would give the minister immediate powers to set down a scheme of administration to determine the powers and role an administrator would have, and allow the Fair Work Commission to appoint one.
That would be limited to the construction and general division of the CFMEU and not extend to other unions or divisions.
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