Emma Comer (Petrie, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Let's be absolutely clear. The Albanese Labor government does not tolerate corruption, criminality or violence in any part of the construction industry. Meaningful reform requires collective, ongoing efforts by all stakeholders. These problems are deeply embedded in the industry and have been decades in the making. They will not be solved overnight. The coalition and its failed and discredited ABCC utterly failed to deal with these problems. In fact, the appalling culture in the construction industry flourished under their watch. Multiple individuals involved in corruption, criminality and violence were allowed to retain their positions and continue their unlawful activities.

Now, we are cleaning up the mess. Following multiple referrals from the Albanese Labor government, regulators and law enforcement agencies are now working in a coordinated manner through the joint agency working group to stamp out corruption and violence within the construction industry. These include the AFP, state and territory police forces, the Fair Work Commission's general manager, the Fair Work Ombudsman, ASIC, the ATO and AUSTRAC. We have also taken tangible action to address misconduct within the CFMEU's construction division by placing it under a scheme of administration for up to five years. This administration has achieved more progress in 15 months than the failed ABCC managed in a decade. So far, the administrator has: removed or accepted the resignation of more than 60 staff; developed a national code of conduct and statement of expectations for all staff; made absolutely clear where the union stands on gifts, organised crime and menacing behaviour and the consequences of breaching those standards; and established several inquiries into state branches of the CFMEU.

The administrator, respected barrister Mark Irving KC, is undertaking complex and often dangerous work. He regularly acts on credible information received through a confidential whistleblower complaints process which has already received more than 500 complaints. He has initiated numerous investigations into the New South Wales, Queensland and Victorian branches of the CFMEU as well as into the union's finances and the Building Industry 2000 fund. Mr Irving has taken proactive action in response to these reports including: disciplinary measures; dismissals and expulsions of individuals from the union; issuing new contracts that set out clear standards of behaviour; establishing cultural change programs; and issuing notices to produce. This is what real reform looks like. We have full faith in Mr Irving's integrity and independence. Matters regarding the appointment of officers and staff of the union are for him to determine, not for politicians to interfere with.

The government's actions are already delivering results, but we also know that the problems are not confined to the CFMEU alone. Other parts of the industry, including employers and contractors, will have a significant role to play in cleaning up the construction sector. There are no quick fixes, but the government is committed to the task.

That is why we have established the National Construction Industry Forum. The NCIF meets at least twice a year and has endorsed a blueprint of reform that includes immediate work on the Joint Construction Industry Charter, setting shared goals and expectations for all construction industry participants. This is long-term work that is needed to make sure the industry is not only free from corruption but also productive and sustainable.

It stands in stark contrast to the years of neglect under the coalition, who turned a blind eye while those problems took root. Every major allegation of criminality in the sector occurred while the ABCC was in operation. The ABCC was ineffective, politicised and a waste of public funds. The appropriate response to criminal activity is not political theatre; it is a police response. That is exactly what the government has delivered—coordinated enforcement through the AFP, state and territory police, and regulatory agencies, all working alongside the CFMEU administrator to restore integrity.

Our government will not politicise ongoing investigations, nor will we allow anyone to be above the law. It was on the opposition 's watch that organised crime elements infiltrated the construction industry. They had nine years to act, and they failed. By contrast, this government has acted decisively, transparently and effectively. We are empowering whistleblowers, supporting law enforcement and working with the industry to change its culture from the ground up. This is a government committed to ensuring Australia's construction industry is one we can all be proud of. The Albanese Labor government will continue to take strong, coordinated action to stamp out corruption and criminality wherever it occurs, and we will continue to stand up for the thousands of honest workers who deserve a clean industry, decent pay and safe workplaces.

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