Australia’s largest and most representative business network is urging the government to go further on its legislation introduced today to place the CFMEU under an external administrator.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) supports steps to place CFMEU into administration, however it wants some of the legislation clarified and strengthened in a number of key areas.

While satisfied that the proposed legislation will place all state and territory branches of the Construction and General Division of the CFMEU under administration, ACCI Chief executive officer Andrew McKellar says there are concerns about transparency and guidance for the administrator.

“The current legislation does not require the administrator to report back to parliament, there is no explicit requirement for transparency or accountability.

“It is unclear how the government intends to measure the progress of the administration if there is no legislative requirement to provide regular reports.” Mr McKellar said.

He also expressed concern at the legislation which says the administrator must act in the interests of CFMEU members.

“The administrator must act in the interest of the construction industry as a whole and not just the union’s own members,” said Mr McKellar.

ACCI also repeated its call for the following measures to be introduced to eliminate corruption in the building and construction industries:

• The reinstatement of the building industry watchdog such as the disbanded Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC)
• A public inquiry with the powers of a royal commission into the construction division of the CFMEU.
• Deregistration of the CFMEU to remain on the table as an option.
• And action by state and territory governments on procurement procedures so they are not vulnerable to corruption.

“The Australian taxpayer should have the confidence that the building and construction industry plays by the rules and that taxpayers are getting value for money when it comes to publicly funded infrastructure works,” said Mr McKellar.