Decisive action needed in the wake of CFMEU allegations

Decisive action needed in the wake of CFMEU allegations

The Nine newspapers and 60 Minutes exposé of alleged links between criminal elements and the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) demands a strong response by the Victorian, NSW and federal governments.

RMIT expert Anthony Forsyth is available for media interviews following his article, All eyes on Labor as alleged corruption envelops CFMEU. Here are the government’s options, in The Conversation.

Distinguished Professor Anthony Forsyth, Graduate School of Business and Law

Topics: industrial relations, trade unions, workplace relations

“The government needs to take decisive action to demonstrate ‘zero tolerance’ for criminal behaviour, in the wake of these allegations.

“It can work with state governments to ensure investigations are carried out by police and other authorities, and revisit workplace laws to identify any necessary amendments to deal with this and future situations.

“Workplace relations minister Tony Burke has mentioned deregistration of the union. This is generally only available for industrial misconduct rather than criminal behaviour.

“The government could instead apply to have relevant branches of the CFMEU placed into administration, so its affairs are run by an independent third party until the allegations are investigated and resolved. This would overtake steps already taken by the Victorian Branch to voluntarily enter administration today.”

Anthony Forsyth is Distinguished Professor in the Graduate School of Business and Law at RMIT University, and author of The Future of Unions and Worker Representation: the Digital Picket Line.

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General media enquiries: RMIT External Affairs and Media, 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au

16 July 2024

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