Workplace minister wants powers to impose CFMEU administrator
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The news: New Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt will push for the power to impose an administrator on the general division of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU), which is resisting the government’s attempts to do so in court.
The context: In July, Watt’s predecessor Tony Burke announced the government would seek to place the CFMEU under an independent administrator to be appointed by the Fair Work Commission (FWC). The announcement came after a series of revelations in the Nine newspapers relating to alleged criminal infiltration of the CFMEU.
Although the FWC is pushing ahead with a court application, the CFMEU is contesting that motion in court.
Watt confirmed he will ask Parliament for the power to impose the administrator for three years if he determines it is “in the public interest to do so”.
The legislation, which will be introduced next week, would need the support of the Coalition or the Greens and a handful of Senate crossbenchers.
Watt said the proposal would also include obligations for unions — including their employees and professional advisors — to cooperate with any administrator.
What they said: In a statement on Friday, Watt said: “Our government is determined to ensure that legislation exists which enables it to take any steps which are necessary to make sure that clean up the CFMEU, so it can get back to looking after its members”.
The source: Murray Watt press release
