The Federal Government will convene a meeting next month with unions and business leaders in an effort to address tensions following revelations of criminal infiltration in the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU).
The meeting, set to be held as part of the National Construction Industry Forum, comes after an interim report revealed that bikie gangs still hold influence over the union’s operations.
Both sides to blame
Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt said he aims to use the forum as an opportunity to reset relations between the government, unions, and business leaders.
He emphasised the need for a cultural shift in the construction industry, which has been marred by misconduct and lawlessness on both sides of the worker-employer relationship.
The CFMEU has been under scrutiny since the government placed the union under administration.
Mark Irving, the appointed administrator, has called for the ongoing investigation into the union’s connections with criminal elements to continue.
The interim report, delivered by barrister Geoffrey Watson, found that the union’s Victorian branch had been infiltrated by outlaw motorcycle gangs, and its negotiation processes had become vulnerable to corruption.
Whistleblower service
In response, Irving announced the establishment of an anonymous whistleblower service and a dedicated integrity unit to address allegations.
Investigations will focus on the union’s suppliers and their connections with former senior officials, as well as broader inquiries into labour hire practices and organised crime in Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales.
The government says it hopes the upcoming forum will foster cooperation within the sector and address the issues that have caused disruption across the construction industry.