The Fair Work Commission has filed a court application for a complete national, state and territory takeover of the CFMEU in a bid to clean up the troubled building industry union.
In a much-anticipated move, the commission on Friday sought approval to appoint Victorian barrister Mark Irving KC to take command of the union.
If successful, an administrator could potentially remove up to 270 officials, and manage the union's finances and assets for up to two years.
Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt, sworn into the role on Monday, warned the CFMEU against opposing the move.
the union is consulting their legals... worth reading if you. missed it.
If the CFMEU fights the intervention, the government has said it will have legislation ready for the next sitting week.
"The government will introduce legislation to enable the establishment of an appropriate scheme of administration as swiftly and effectively as possible," said Senator Watt.
abc loonie