House debates

Wednesday, 11 February 2026

Statements by Members

Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union

1:57 pm

Photo of Tim WilsonTim Wilson (Goldstein, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Small Business) Share this | | Hansard source

Well, it has all now been revealed. When Geoffrey Watson SC started an inquiry into the Queensland CFMEU, what he found was CFMEU officials standing over public servants and directing them like they were the government. At the end of last year, Mr Watson outlined that he was going to table this latest report about CFMEU corruption in Victoria. We FOI'd it. We wrote to the minister. No response. Now we know why she's refusing to answer our questions and release documentation—because a secret report has now been revealed for the nation to see, titled Rotting from the top. That is a lived reality of the CFMEU Labor cartel and the kickbacks that are being paid.

And what does this report show? It shows $15 billion of public money has been laundered from Albanese government projects and Allan government projects, and the Allan government knew exactly what was happening.

They turned a blind eye to the theft of public money going to organised crime and to bikie gangs. The Albanese government's response is to keep corrupt power structures in place in the CFMEU and take it out of the media cycle. But, because we know that two chapters were removed, I seek leave to table this report so it can never be whitewashed from history again.

Leave not granted.

Running interference for CFMEU corruption.

Photo of Sharon ClaydonSharon Claydon (Newcastle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Sit down please, Mr Wilson. Order! The Leader of the House?

Photo of Mr Tony BurkeMr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | | Hansard source

An imputation was made in the last comment from the member for Goldstein and should be withdrawn.

An honourable member: A hundred per cent.

Photo of Sharon ClaydonSharon Claydon (Newcastle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

You should reflect on what you said and withdraw any imputations made on the reputations of other members. Would you assist the House and withdraw? I believe that would help.

Photo of Tim WilsonTim Wilson (Goldstein, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Small Business) Share this | | Hansard source

To assist the House, I withdraw.