All options are on the table when it comes to tackling allegations of links between the construction union and organised crime, the federal workplace relations minister says.
Tony Burke has asked his department to advise him on ministerial powers to respond to reports alleging bikies were acting as union delegates and other links between construction projects and organised crime.
“The extent of the criminal elements that have [allegedly] been there, I find absolutely abhorrent,” Burke told ABC’s Insiders program on Sunday when referencing a Nine newspaper report detailing the allegations.
The minister said more reports into the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union were expected and he had sought advice regarding what powers he had to intervene.
“I want advice on all the powers that I have with respect to what we’re seeing out of the construction division of the CFMEU, in particular Victoria, but I don’t know if it will broaden with the extra stories,” Burke said on Sunday.
“I will effectively look at three things: the advice on the extent of my powers, the allegations as they are revealed and, finally, the extent to which the union itself acts immediately and effectively. If they don’t, I will.”
The resignation of controversial Victorian CFMEU boss John Setka on Friday ahead of the Nine reports being published was “a start”, Burke said.
“I want to make clear – everything is on the table.”
That could include appointing administrators to branches of the union or even deregistering the construction division, Burke said.
Asked if he was seriously considering deregistering the union if it was within his powers, he replied: “If that’s what needs to be done.”
He said he had asked his department what legal threshold was required before he could invoke certain powers – and said he wouldn’t act until all the evidence had come out.
“I’m certainly not going to end up taking an action where the day later I say, that wasn’t quite the right one,” the minister said.
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“This week my department and myself will watch the evidence as it comes out – I have put the union absolutely on notice today.”
Burke also hit back at suggestions that Labor had not or would not act against the powerful union because of the amount it donates to the Labor party.
“I couldn’t care less about the financial contributions,” he said.
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has previously welcomed Setka’s resignation.
“Good. John Setka has no legitimate place in the Labor movement,” he told reporters on Saturday.
Setka has denied wrongdoing, describing the reports as “false accusations” and “false stories” about the union.