Master Builders Australia, a not-for-profit builders’ association, has voiced its support for NSW Government legislation forcing the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) into administration after it was alleged the union had engaged in illegal practices including connections with organised crime.
“The industry has been at a standstill with a great cloud of uncertainty on the current operating environment and the future of the CFMEU,” Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said.
“We thank the Government and Coalition for working in a bipartisan way to reach an agreement on a series of amendments while not delaying the Bill’s passage beyond this sitting period.
“Our members are intimately familiar with the ingrained culture of lawlessness and thuggery that has plagued the sector for decades.”
CFMEU says legislation “shameful”
The union has hit back at accusations levelled against it, claiming an independent investigation has already been launched and that several individuals had already been either removed or stood down pending investigation.
“These allegations remain exactly that – allegations – completely untested in the legal system,” the union’s statement read.
“The deal cut by Labor and the Coalition is as shameful as it is unnecessary – an act of political expediency at the expense of fundamental tenants [sic] of Australian democracy and our legal system.
“It also fails to address the real issues of criminality and corruption that affect all of us in the industry instead targeting the union.
“The CFMEU has been steadfastly focused on getting an outcome that is in the best interests of our members.
“A forced administration through this legislation, devoid of real consultation with construction workers and isolated from their elected representatives, does not achieve this.”
Controversy deepens
Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie leveraged her parliamentary privilege to level further accusations, alleging major contractors including John Holland, CPB and Acciona conspired with the CFMEU to inflate project prices and gouge workers for membership fees.
Federal Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt responded that the incoming administrator had committed to investigating any corporate wrongdoing in relation to the union.
“That corruption and organised crime doesn’t just involve the union,” Minister Watt said.
“Unfortunately, in some cases, it seems to have involved employers as well.
“What I’ve said throughout this process is that we need to make sure that just as we target bad behaviour at the union, we also target bad behaviour among employer groups.”
Senator Lambie urged the government to pursue the charges fully, with any wrongdoing to be referred to the Fair Work Commission or Australian Federal Police.
“I want to see those referrals to Australian Federal Police going as quickly as possible, because, quite frankly, people’s lives are at risk,” she said.
Undermining civil liberties or protecting Australians?
The Greens voted against the bill forcing the CFMEU into administration on the basis it undermined civil liberties.
“We wanted safeguards in the legislation to ensure the problems were tackled but in a way where procedural fairness was ensured and instead the government worked with the Coalition,” Greens leader Adam Bandt said.
The Master Builders Association appears to disagree with the Green’s characterisation of the bill, calling for a federal watchdog dedicated to the building and construction industry with “real teeth”.
“If we don’t learn from history, we will be doomed to repeat it,” CEO Wawn said.
“The regulator needs to be home to a dedicated cross-jurisdictional police unit to oversee and coordinate a strong law enforcement presence in the building and construction industry.
“To get it right, it must go further than industrial relations and have oversight on a broader range of matters, including workplace, safety, competition, corporations, governance and training.
“Australians expect a thriving and safe building and construction industry to deliver the roads, hospitals, schools and most importantly housing that they are crying out for.”