The opposition in Australia has called for the deregistration of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) following new allegations of domestic violence, widespread corruption, and organized crime infiltration. The calls come after a 60 Minutes investigation revealed disturbing links between the union and outlaw motorcycle gangs.
The opposition has called for the deregistration of the CFMEU following new allegations of domestic violence on worksites, widespread corruption, and organized crime infiltration in the construction union. The calls come after further disturbing revelations about the militant union's links with outlaw motorcycle gangs and organized crime were uncovered by 60 Minutes.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton announced at a press conference in Melbourne on Monday that he would introduce a suite of reforms to address the militant union. These include legislation to deregister the construction division of the CFMEU and powers to investigate groups that engage in a pattern of criminal behavior. Mr. Dutton plans to introduce new offences based off the mafia takedown laws in the United States, established in the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. This act enables 'bosses and kingpins' to be jailed even if they distance themselves from the crimes committed by their organization. The opposition also announced it would establish an AFP-led task force and reinstate the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) with enhanced powers. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has called for the deregistration of the CFMEU following new allegations of widespread corruption and organized crime infiltration in the construction union. Picture: NewsWire / David Geraghty “This is the biggest corruption scandal in Australian history,” Mr. Dutton told reporters at the Victorian Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices. “The CFMEU is a modern-day mafia operation. The culture of criminality and corruption is so entrenched, and it will never change.” “You cannot trust Anthony Albanese to stand up to his union mates. A Labor-Greens minority government will only embolden the CFMEU’s lawless behavior,' the Opposition Leader said. “The CFMEU has donated $11.5 million to Mr. Albanese's party and to (Victorian Premier Jacinta) Allan's party. 'They are completely and utterly compromised and the corruption here goes to the heart of the Albanese government.'Tonight's allegations of corruption and violence towards women are appalling. I will refer them to police for further investigation,' Employment Minister Murray Watt said. 'Uncovering this unacceptable conduct is testament to the hard work of the CFMEU administrator and his team, appointed by the Albanese government.' Peter Dutton’s reckless plan for the CFMEU would hand control of the union back to the very criminals we are beginning to remove. Deregistering the union would allow it to operate without ANY regulation, with the worst elements free to run rampant on construction sites again. In one instance, a CFMEU representative linked to the Rebels bikie gang was caught on camera allegedly attacking his girlfriend during his lunch break at a Victorian worksite. The man was later sacked by the CFMEU, with the video of the violent bashing then coming to the union's attention through an anonymous source in 2024. Another CFMEU-backed figure was alleged to have locked a female worker in a small room, before smoking a crack pipe and blowing the ice in her face. The allegations come after the construction and general division of the CFMEU was put into administration by the Albanese government in 2024
CFMEU Deregistration Corruption Organized Crime Domestic Violence Opposition Australia
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