Startling revelations that the CFMEU has been infiltrated by bikies and underworld figures should concern all Australians.
Also concerning is that since Anthony Albanese has been Labor Leader, the ALP has received $6.2 million in payments from the CFMEU.
Australia’s construction industry is vital for the delivery of infrastructure, including roads, schools, hospitals.
It employs over a million Australians. It is made up of hundreds of thousands of small businesses.
Without a strong watchdog, this industry is held hostage by the CFMEU – described by a Federal Court Judge as “the most recidivist corporate offender in Australia’s history”.
Unfortunately, the Albanese Government puts the CFMEU’s interests ahead of everyday Australians.
One of Labor’s first acts in Government was to remove the building industry watchdog, the Australian Building and Construction Commission. This has been a disaster.
Between 2016 and 2023, the CFMEU were fined by courts for over 1,600 law breaches.
Despite this, Labor prioritised giving them more power.
Labor’s weak leadership means higher costs in building vital infrastructure. It adds to further cost of living pressure for all Australians.
This needs to change.
When Bob Hawke was Prime Minister, he deregistered the Builders Labourers Federation.
Recent media reports show the CFMEU has no right to still be operating.
The Albanese Government should deregister this out-of-control union.
It should reintroduce the building industry watchdog.
It should also return the money donated by the CFMEU in recent years.
Enough is enough.
Regards,
Michaelia Cash
Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations |
