MEDIA RELEASE – CFMEU PROTESTS A RESULT OF ALBANESE CREATING CHAOS IN CONSTRUCTION

Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
Shadow Attorney General
Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
Senator for Western Australia

27 AUGUST 2024

CFMEU PROTESTS A RESULT OF ALBANESE CREATING CHAOS IN CONSTRUCTION

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s disastrous decision to abolish the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) has created an ongoing crisis in the Australian construction sector, with today’s planned unauthorised industrial action by the CFMEU being a further result of his failure.

Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Senator Michaelia Cash, said Mr Albanese needed to get serious about cleaning up the construction sector and that appointing an Administrator for the CFMEU wasn’t enough.

“When Mr Albanese abolished the ABCC, he gave effective control of the construction sector to his mates at the CFMEU, who have donated $6.2 million to the Labor Party since he became leader.” Senator Cash said.

“Today’s nationwide unprotected industrial action by the CFMEU is a result of Mr Albanese’s disastrous decision to give his mates in the CFMEU effective control of the construction sector in Australia. The CFMEU thinks they have unlimited power thanks to Mr Albanese’s catastrophic decision to abolish the ABCC. Mr Albanese is now having trouble controlling the CFMEU after giving them control over Australia’s building sites.

“Mr Albanese needs to apologise for the disaster in Australia’s construction sector, which is a result of his actions. This has hurt all Australian taxpayers who are already dealing with the cost of living crisis because we have seen the cost of building infrastructure increase by 30%.” Senator Cash said

Senator Cash called on Mr Albanese to support the Coalition’s legislation that will bring back the ABCC and get criminals off our building sites once and for all.

“Australian taxpayers are suffering enough under Mr Albanese weak and ineffective policies. They should not have to keep paying inflated infrastructure costs from sweetheart deals Labor has done with the CFMEU.”

“Appointing an Administrator for the CFMEU isn’t enough. Mr Albanese needs to immediately support Peter Dutton’s legislation to bring back the ABCC.” Senator Cash said.

ENDS