Senator David Pocock voted to kill the building industry watchdog. Now he says Labor needs 'stronger response' to the CFMEU scandalThe independent ACT senator whose vote helped Labor abolish the construction industry watchdog early last year says the government needs to boost scrutiny and policing in the wake of the CFMEU scandal.Labor may need David Pocock’s vote when parliament returns next month if the CFMEU wins any potential appeal against the appointment of an administrator.
Putting the onus on Labor to do more than merely appoint an administrator to the union, Senator Pocock said a "stronger response than what we have seen currently is warranted, particularly if these allegations are upheld". The independent ACT senator's call echoes teal independent Zoe Daniels' view that Labor's decision to rely on an administrator will not be enough to clean up the union, which has been suspended from federal Labor following reports of alleged criminal behaviour and links to organised crime groups.
Kevin Rudd maintained the body after he won office in 2007, despite pressure from construction unions. After his ouster, the Gillard government abolished the body in early 2012. "The allegations around organised crime and bikie gang affiliations go beyond the claims of bullying, harassment and intimidation made previously regarding some parts of the CFMEU and into the domain of criminal conduct which is outside the scope of current and former industrial relations regulators.
Mr Albanese, he said, is a "prime minister that's turning a blind eye to the criminal conduct of the CFMEU and the bikies and other organised crime elements, which is driving up the price of construction in our country, therefore driving up inflation which drives up interest rates".