Michael Keenan (Stirling, Liberal Party, Minister for Justice) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Berowra for that question. I was very pleased to update the House yesterday about our $321 million investment in the capability of the Australian Federal Police in last year's budget. That reminds us that no government is committed to the support of the Australian Federal Police like this one.

But from the other side—we have heard about the vicious attack by the secretary of the CFMEU in Victoria, John Setka, on the hardworking men and women of the Australian Federal Police. We have also heard the shocking comments that he made about his intention to track down, expose and intimidate public servants. I am pleased to advise the House that the Australian Federal Police have received a referral from Minister Cash in relation to this matter, and they are currently evaluating it for criminal charges. Unfortunately, this is only the latest example of the culture of lawlessness that we see within the CFMEU. I could give the House a list of examples: the official who walked into a Gold Coast site and threatened workers there by saying, 'I know your phone number; I know where you live'; the CFMEU member who threatened to gang-rape one of our workplace inspectors—

Mr Pasin interjecting—

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