CFMEU WA branch: Union to hit back at Labor move in Perth rally after put under administration

More than 1000 CFMEU WA members are expected to converge on Forrest Place on Tuesday, protesting a takeover of its construction division and telling Labor: “We built this city”. The move comes after the powerful union, along with other CFMEU construction divisions throughout Australia, were placed under administration on Friday by the Federal Government, with Premier Roger Cook also suspending ties with it. WA CFMEU branch secretary Mick Buchan declined to comment on the takeover. But Electrical Trades Union WA secretary Peter Carter said he believed the CFMEU had been unfairly treated. “Let me put on the record, we do not condone any form of criminality in the union movement, including our own union,” Mr Carter said. “I can’t comment what has happened over east, but on the CFMEU in WA there is absolutely no allegations of any corruption or wrongdoing. “So, we are against these actions (appointing an administrator). “We believe it sets a dangerous precedent for all unions from current and future governments who may want to do away with procedural fairness. “Let’s give them (CFMEU) the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, which is a basic part of our democracy.” Mr Carter said the WA branch of the ETU would follow a national directive not to donate any money to the ALP at the next Federal election. It’s understood it donated more than $1 million to Labor last time out. And he warned State Labor would not get a cent either. “We will deem what is best for our membership and where we put any of our donations — whether they be independents, greens or whatever,” Mr Carter said. As reported by The Sunday Times on August 11, WA was not exempt from new laws which gave the Federal Government new powers to force the CFMEU into administration. Following their passing in Federal Parliament last week, the WA branch of the CFMEU was hit with the sanctions. Victorian-based barrister Mark Irving has been put in control of the union’s construction division in all States and Territories. This follows allegations of bike links, corruption and standover tactics in the eastern states. Under the rules of the administration, Mr Buchan and other local officials will not be forced to vacate their roles or return union-owned property such as cars and laptops — as will be the case in the east. But the WA officials will be stripped of any decision making powers and could be suspended at any point. Following the appointment of an administrator, Mr Cook on Friday suspended ties with the union, meaning Labor will not accept donations from the CFMEU while it is under administration. But the Premier is refusing Liberal Party calls to hand back $25,000 in donations it has received since July 1.