CFMEU administrator vows 'zero tolerance' on corruption

The administrator for the CFMEU’s embattled construction and general division says he will continue the union’s “vital” work of keeping members safe while having zero tolerance for corruption.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus on Friday placed the CFMEU division, along with its state and territory branches, into administration.

The move follows claims of corruption and bikie infiltration in the union, prompting the passage of laws that empower the government to place life bans on CFMEU officials.

Eleven CFMEU employees have been terminated as a result of the laws, while 270 union officers - mostly volunteers - were removed from their positions, administrator Mark Irving KC said in his first statement since being appointed.

Mr Irving, a Melbourne barrister, said his most important task was “ensuring the union continues the vital work of keeping members safe and advancing their interests”.

“The appointment of the administrator does not mean that the construction division will be diverted from this fundamental task,” he said.

“The administration will have zero tolerance for corruption or the involvement of organised crime or criminal elements in the union and will address fraud and corruption within the construction industry.”

While the administration would come and go, the “work of the CFMEU must endure”, he said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the administration was part of an effort to clean up the construction industry.

“We know that trade unionists do a great job when they’re looking after the wages and conditions of their members, but there’s no place for corruption or intimidation in the building industry from unions,” Mr Albanese said on Friday.

Mr Irving’s job as administrator is to take over management functions of the union, investigate claims of criminality and corruption, and co-operate with law enforcement.

The administration period can last up to five years.

The CFMEU is expected to challenge the laws in court.