National

CFMEU put into administration in 'public interest'

By AAP Newswire

Aug 23, 2024

CFMEU members attend a protest — Placing the CFMEU into administration is in the public interest, the attorney-general says. -AAP Image

The embattled CFMEU has been placed into administration effective immediately.

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Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said on Friday he deemed it in the "public interest" to place the union into administration, including its WA and ACT branches.

Laws giving the relevant minister powers to intervene and slap life bans on officials passed the parliament earlier this week after a deal was struck with the coalition.

Melbourne silk Mark Irving KC has been given the job of administering the CFMEU.

"I have determined a written scheme of administration and the General Manager of the Fair Work Commission has appointed Mr Mark Irving KC as the administrator and contacted Mr Irving to notify him of his appointment," Mr Dreyfus said in a statement.Labor's move follows allegations of corruption and bikie infiltration within the CFMEU.

The union has slammed the law as taking away the rights of members to a fair process and signalled an impending court challenge.

CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith has said the criminal allegations remain untested.

The administration period can last up to five years under the law and officials found guilty of crimes would be banned for life and unable to become bargaining agents at other registered organisations without holding a fit-and-proper-person certificate.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press