The Coalition proposes new ‘racketeering laws’ to target union leaders and criminal organisations.
The troubled CFMEU is facing renewed scrutiny after disturbing new allegations of violence and intimidation, particularly against women, on state government construction sites.
Footage from media investigations show a bikie-linked health and safety representative allegedly assaulting a woman during a lunch break at government-funded project.
Another woman was locked in a small room at a half-built state hospital by a convicted violent offender who smoked ice as he detained her.
A third was brutally attacked outside her taxpayer-funded worksite by a man with close ties to senior Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) figures who had a violent criminal history.
Coalition Proposes US-Style ‘Racketeering Laws’
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton wasted no time proposing bold new reforms, modelled on “racketeering laws” introduced in the United States.
These proposed measures would allow authorities to target criminal organisations within unions, holding leaders or “kingpins” accountable for the crimes committed by their members.
Union leaders who may have turn a blind eye or actively support criminal activity, could also face prosecution.
“We need to go after the criminal organisations, not just the individuals,” Dutton said.
He confirmed he would write to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, urging him to allocate resources to draft a bill and for swift action when Parliament reconvenes next week.
Deregistration of CFMEU and Enhanced Oversight
Shadow Minister for Workplace Relations Michaelia Cash proposed additional reforms, including the deregistering the CFMEU.
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The Coalition has also committed to reinstating the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) and establishing a new Australian Federal Police task force to tackle orgnised crime within the construction sector.
Cash stressed that union leaders must be held accountable for enabling criminal behavior, stating, “Leadership must be prosecuted for enabling criminal activity.”
The CFMEU’s construction division was placed into administration last August following reports of outlaw motorcycle gang infiltration.
Dutton called it “the biggest corruption scandal” in the country’s history and vowed to eliminate union corruption if elected.
Labor Invokes Police Action
Meanwhile in light of the fresh allegations, Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed Victoria Police had launched a formal investigation.
“What we saw last night was shocking and completely unacceptable,” Allan said.
Workplace Minister Murray Watt says deregistering the union would leave it free of any regulation.
He also argued it would end the current independent administration of the CFMEU by Geoffrey Watson SC which has “removed many problem people” from the union, and exposed the allegations on 60 Minutes that led to eventual police raids.
“We don’t need to import an American racketeering law—we already have our own laws to go after ‘kingpins,’ such as section 390.6 of the Criminal Code, which already deals with directing criminal organisation.”
Federal Ministers React
Minister for Women Katy Gallagher strongly condemned the violence depicted in the 60 Minutes report, stating, “Violence against women is completely unacceptable. We must hold those responsible accountable.”
Treasurer Jim Chalmers also expressed concern over the ongoing corruption and violence at construction sites.
He confirmed that the federal government is working closely with state authorities to investigate the matter.
“This is deeply troubling,” Chalmers said.
“That’s why we appointed the administrator and have taken a tough stance, including referring the relevant matters to the police.”
Business Council Calls for Royal Commission
The Business Council of Australia (BCA) has called for a royal commission into the CFMEU.
BCA Chief Executive Bran Black said a full inquiry is essential to uncover the full extent of corruption and organized crime within the union.
“The administrator’s role is to get the CFMEU functioning again, not to investigate corruption. We need a royal commission to ensure full transparency.”
CFMEU Supports Police Probe
In response, CFMEU National Secretary Zach Smith issued a statement emphasising the union’s support for police investigations into criminal behavior.
“Everyone who represents this union, from delegates to me, the national secretary, must act only in the interests of members,” Smith said.
“We fully support reporting criminal allegations to the police.”
