Coalition and Independents Claim Victory in CFMEU Bill Passage

In a contentious session in the House of Representatives, the bill to place the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining, and Energy Union (CFMEU) under administration was passed amid significant disagreements. Coalition and Independent MPs asserted their influence in the bill's progression, with Deputy Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley accusing the Labor government of being ensnared by its ties to the CFMEU. Ley emphasized that while the Labor Party may have benefited from union support in the last election, it was the opposition that effectively drove the bill forward. Ley highlighted the "deep irony" of the situation, stating that the day marked a pivotal moment for the Australian Labor Party, which now had to confront the consequences of its previous affiliations. The opposition criticized the government for hastily introducing the legislation without sufficient consultation, suggesting that this would lead to ongoing scrutiny of the CFMEU in the months ahead, particularly as the next election approaches. Shadow Minister for Housing Michael Sukkar pointed to the long-term repercussions of the CFMEU's actions, particularly their role in escalating construction costs across Australia, including in the residential sector. This concern underscores the broader implications of the union's influence on the housing market. Meanwhile, Adam Bandt, leader of the Australian Greens, condemned the bill as rushed and lacking thorough consideration of its potential consequences. He warned that the unprecedented nature of the legislation, described as the toughest action against any union, had not been adequately reviewed, raising concerns about its implications for the future.