CFMEU forced into administration for public interest

The scandal-ridden CFMEU has been placed into administration by the federal government, with lawyer Mark Irving appointed as administrator in place of its officials, announced Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus. This move, in the “public interest,” will see all branches of the CFMEU, including Western Australia and the ACT, under administration.

The decision comes after recent allegations and revelations of criminal infiltration within the CFMEU, leading to the stand down of over 20 members. The Coalition has agreed to support tighter controls on the union, backing legislation that will keep the CFMEU under administration for at least three years.

In addition to the administration, the legislation will ban political donations by the union and require the administrator to report to Parliament every six months. Both Master Builders Australia and the Constructors Association have welcomed the appointment of an administrator to take control of the situation.