July 17th 2024.
The CFMEU, a construction union, has been the subject of serious allegations of criminal behavior. As a result, an independent administrator will now oversee its operations. While the union will not be deregistered, Industrial Relations Minister Tony Burke has given Fair Work Commission general manager Murray Furlong the authority to appoint an administrator to take control of the union.
According to Burke, the decision to appoint the general manager was the best course of action. He also clarified that any action taken by the general manager will have his full support as minister. This includes intervening in any division or part of the union's construction division. He went on to say that while he believes the regulator is best suited to handle these matters, the government will introduce new laws to support the administrator's actions if necessary.
Burke also revealed that he has requested the Australian Federal Police to investigate the reported criminal activity within the CFMEU. He condemned the behavior of the union and stated that it goes against their obligations. He described it as abhorrent and intolerable.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, on the other hand, believes that the union should be deregistered due to its corrupt nature. He argued that the move to appoint an administrator lacks credibility. Dutton also claimed that the reported criminal conduct is just the tip of the iceberg and that it could potentially be the biggest defrauding of the Australian taxpayer in history.
However, Burke believes that deregistering the union would not have the desired effect. This is because the WorkChoices legislation, which was introduced two decades ago, allows unregistered organizations to operate as bargaining agents. He stated that deregistering the union would only give them more freedom to continue their unlawful activities without any regulation or oversight.
The decision to appoint an administrator has been met with support from both Master Builders Australia and the Constructors Association. Burke's announcement came shortly after NSW Premier Chris Minns moved to suspend the CFMEU from the Labor Party in his state. This was in response to a recent report that alleged the union's NSW boss, Darren Greenfield, was caught on a hidden police camera receiving $5000 in cash inside the union's Sydney office.
In conclusion, the CFMEU will now be under the control of an independent administrator, as allegations of criminal behavior continue to surface. While the decision to appoint the general manager has been met with some criticism, it is seen as the best course of action by the government. The severity of the alleged criminal activity within the union has prompted investigations by the Australian Federal Police and has sparked calls for the union to be deregistered. However, Burke believes that deregistration is not the answer and that it would only give the union more freedom to operate without any oversight. The decision has been welcomed by industry associations, and the Premier of New South Wales has taken action to suspend the union from his state's Labor Party.
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