The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath has criticised Labor, the Greens and Legalise Cannabis Party for voting to block an inquiry into alleged kickbacks and intimidation by CFMEU bosses.
Ms Bath said there are concerning reports of CFMEU issues in eastern Victoria dating back years involving intimidatory behaviour on worksites towards non CFMEU contractors.
“The media has reported significant issues with the conduct of CFMEU officials on government worksites for years, and the Labor party which receives millions of dollars in political donations from the CFMEU, has failed to act.
“Nothing has been done to stamp out the bullying, alleged corruption and the documented presence of bikie and organised crime figures on Victoria’s building sites.
“A Bill to ban bikies, underworld figures and their associates from taxpayer-funded infrastructure projects was put forward but the Allan Labor Government used its numbers in the lower house to quash it.”
Ms Bath said Labor’s ‘internal review’ is seriously flawed and will operate with a veil of secrecy as it does not involve public hearings.
“Labor’s review is designed to protect Premier Jacinta Allan, Labor MP’s and ultimately sanitise the information released to the public.
“Under the Premier’s watch the CFMEU were given preferential treatment that’s seen major project costs on taxpayer-funded projects blowout by over $40 billion.”
“There are multiple allegations pertaining to regional and metropolitan contractors who say they were denied access to worksites and subjected to abuse unless they joined the CFMEU.
“There must be zero tolerance to workplace intimidation and harassment in Victoria.
“With the billions being wasted on city based project blowouts and the long list of regional projects that remain unfunded, we deserve answers.
“Labor can’t manage money and can’t manage projects and regional Victorians are paying the price.”
