Dear Friend,

Law-breaking unions can increase the cost of building hospitals, schools and roads by up to 30%. This cost is worn by all Australians.

Currently, officials of unions and employer groups can keep their position even when they repeatedly break the law or commit serious criminal offences.

Clearly, some unions don’t respect the law. For example, the CFMMEU has racked up 2,000 breaches and over $16 million in penalties.

This week, the Government is introducing the Ensuring Integrity Bill to Parliament.

This will give courts the power to disqualify officials. It will mean courts have the power to cancel registration of organisations where they: don’t work in the interests of their members; commit serious offences; or have a record of law-breaking.

This will help ensure vital infrastructure (like hospitals, schools and roads) is affordable.

Regards,

Christian Porter
Minister for Industrial Relations