The City of Greater Geelong has reiterated its stance on the CFMEU, following ‘disturbing’ allegations of criminal conduct by union officials on government worksites.
Union officials have been accused of taking bribes for jobs on the Big Build, with Premier Jacinta Allan suspending the construction division from the Victorian Labor Party and has referred the matters to Victoria Police and IBAC.
On Monday, the CFMEU Victorian Branch was placed into administration, with the National Office to assume all senior executive powers.
“The disturbing allegations made against the CFMEU in the media over the weekend regarding alleged criminal behaviour and an appalling culture reinforce the city’s belief that they should not have any role in local government,” Geelong Council CEO Ali Wastie said in a statement.
The City led a regional charge against the CFMEU’s attempted takeover of the local government sector last month.
Surf Coast Shire Council and the Borough of Queenscliffe are among the south-west council’s stopping the union infiltration.
“Our Council’s focus is on delivering quality services and infrastructure for our growing population, but the CFMEU’s attempts to muscle into our workforce will only cause angst and damage our culture,” Ms Wastie said in June.
“(The City of Greater Geelong) respects our employees’ right to representation and remain committed to achieving a positive outcome,” she said.
CFMEU National Secretary Zach Smith said he would use the new powers to immediately establish an independent process, overseen by a leading legal figure, to investigate any credible allegations of wrongdoing.
“The CFMEU has zero tolerance for criminality and anyone found to have engaged in criminal conduct while representing the CFMEU will be identified and removed,” Mr Smith said.
