12 August 2024
New legislation to place all construction and general division branches of the CFMEU into administration has been introduced into Parliament.
Peak building and construction industry association Master Builders Australia welcomed the legislation as an important first step to ridding the industry of toxic and lawbreaking culture.
“We urge all parties to support the legislation currently before them and stress this is only the first in a series of measures that are required to stamp out this culture once and for all,” said Master Builders CEO Denita Wawn.
“The CFMEU has breached workplace law 2,600 times in more than 20 years, accumulating $24 million in fines.
“After decades of this behaviour, it’s clear the union cannot clean up its own backyard, and we think the use of independent administrators, as a first step, is the most effective way to achieve meaningful and lasting change.
“History has shown us that deregistration of construction unions doesn’t work. What we need is long-term, lasting cultural change which means changing the people who promote and thrive in this environment.
“Calls for yet another review or inquiry, while well intentioned, will not help government, law enforcement and regulators get on with the job, because we already know what the problems are, how they arise, and how to fix them.
“We need action now. It must be swift; it must be permanent. The building and construction industry can no longer be a political football.
“Following the passage of this legislation, the Federal Government should move to establish a dedicated building and construction industry watchdog with real teeth.
“To ensure the regulator works effectively, it must have oversight on a range of matters, including workplace, safety, competition, corporations, governance and training.
“It would also be home to a dedicated cross-jurisdictional police unit to oversee and coordinate a strong law enforcement presence in the building and construction industry.
“We thank Minister Murray Watt for working constructively with the industry to undertake meaningful changes to address the systemic issues within the CFMEU,” Ms Wawn concluded.
Media contact: Dee Zegarac, National Director, Media & Public Affairs
0400 493 071 | dee.zegarac@masterbuilders.com.au