NSW Premier Chris Minns wants CFMEU construction arm suspended from ALP after corruption claims
The construction arm of the CFMEU must be suspended from the NSW Labor Party, the state government has demanded.
NSW Premier Chris Minns and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey have written to the NSW Labor Party General Secretary in the wake of new corruption allegations.
They’ve asked the state branch to take the “necessary steps” to immediately suspend the CFMEU Construction and General Division’s affiliation with the party and stop any donations or affiliation fees.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“The revelations that have come to light this morning are appalling,” Mr Minns and Mr Mookhey said in a statement on Wednesday.
“There is absolutely no tolerance for criminal or corrupt behaviour in the building industry, in unions or anywhere for that matter.
“It is clear the CFMEU Construction and General Division will not and cannot clean itself up.”
Nine newspapers reported on Wednesday that a police camera hidden in the ceiling of the CFMEU’s Sydney office allegedly caught a construction union boss accepting a bundle of cash in 2020.
It’s alleged the money was a kickback from a building company representative in return for union backing of a project.
Mr Minns and Mr Mookhey said the NSW Labor government was working with the federal Labor government on a “coordinated approach” to the furore surrounding the CFMEU since corruption allegations began circling the Victorian branch on Friday.
“We will also ask the commonwealth government to review enterprise bargaining agreements in NSW which the CFMEU is party to,” Mr Minns and Mr Mookhey said.
“Further, the NSW Construction Compliance Unit will work with federal regulatory bodies and act on any allegations.
“We must take the necessary action to protect honest and hardworking construction workers and union members.”
The NSW government said it would provide an update on other actions it intends to take later on Wednesday.
The construction arm of the Victorian branch of the CFMEU is under a cloud following claims of links to bikie gang members and criminal groups.
The Victorian premier earlier this week called for it to be suspended from the state ALP.
