Australia’s largest and most representative business network has this afternoon welcomed news of a deal between the government and the opposition to pass the bill to place the CFMEU under administration.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (ACCI) chief executive officer Andrew McKellar says strong and definitive action needs to be taken against the CFMEU in light of the serious concerns that have been raised.

“We recognise that bi-partisan support for the bill has been achieved by the government and opposition and that is constructive,” said Mr McKellar.

He said he was pleased to see the following amendments being agreed to including:

• That the scheme will apply to all CFMEU branches
• The administrator reporting to the minister every six months, with reports tabled in the Parliament
• Extending the duration of the administration from three to five years, with a minimum three-year period.
• Confirming the administrator can conduct investigations into past conduct of the Construction and General Division of the CFMEU and its branches

“This is undoubtedly a stronger bill now,” said Mr McKellar.

However, he also said that this legislation should be just the first step in cleaning up the building and construction industry.

“We strongly maintain the view that the reinstatement of the building and construction industry watchdog with the powers and resources to take effective action is also essential.

“Public confidence can only be restored when there has been a clear, effective and transparent inquiry into all of the conduct that the union has been engaged in.”