Premier Aims for Zero Tolerance Policy on CFMEU Corruption

After the recent scandal involving the CFMEU, Premier Jacinta Allan of Victoria has taken a firm stance against corruption within the construction division of the union. Following the resignation of former CFMEU secretary John Setka, Allan expressed deep disgust and announced plans to temporarily banish the CFMEU from the Victorian branch of the Labor Party.

Allan’s call for action comes in response to an undercover sting operation that exposed corrupt practices within the CFMEU, with a self-styled fixer offering bribes to union officials. The Premier has requested investigations by Victoria Police and IBAC, signaling a zero tolerance policy towards criminal behavior.

In addition to suspending the CFMEU from the Labor Party branch, Allan has demanded a halt on all political donations from the union. She has also reached out to the federal government to review CFMEU enterprise bargaining agreements and consider terminating them under the Fair Work Act to combat criminal activity.

To further address the issue, Victoria plans to conduct an independent review led by an expert to strengthen state agencies dealing with construction unions and companies. The Premier has emphasized the need to eradicate the pervasive culture of thuggish behavior from worksites across the state.

Opposition Leader John Pesutto criticized Allan’s response as inadequate, calling for the permanent removal of the CFMEU from taxpayer worksites and the return of any tainted donations to the Labor Party. Federal figures like Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke are also weighing options to address the situation.

CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith has pledged to investigate the allegations internally and take swift action against any members involved in criminal conduct. The union aims to uphold its primary purpose of safeguarding worker safety and rights while addressing the serious issues within the Victorian branch.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions, led by Sally McManus, has called for union officials facing criminal charges to step down. The ongoing fallout from the CFMEU scandal highlights the complexities of labor relations and political accountability in Victoria.