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Lee calls on Barr to confirm growing union influence

Local CFMEU official Zachary Smith, gives evidence to the Integrity Commission enquiry into the Campbell Primary School modernisation project in September.

The CFMEU is not only a member of ACT Labor that has input into party leadership positions, but also provides significant donations to the ACT Labor Party, says opposition leader Elizabeth Lee. 

Given media allegations that bikie gangs, criminal gangs and underworld figures had infiltrated the Victorian branch of the CFMEU, Ms Lee says Canberrans are right to question if the same is occurring in the ACT.

“The ACT is the only jurisdiction in the country that does not have anti-consorting laws, which makes Canberra a desirable location for outlaw bikie gangs and organised criminals,” she says.

Ms Lee is calling on the chief minister to confirm whether he supports a push by the ACT branches of the CFMEU and the CPSU seeking “even more influence” over ACT government procurements and the appointment of senior ACT public servants.

“The Integrity Commission investigation into the Campbell Primary School modernisation project has heard evidence that a local company missed out on the job despite being the preferred tenderer because it was allegedly not favoured by the CFMEU,” she says.

“Even more concerning, the Integrity Commission has also heard evidence that the pressure to do so came directly from the Education Minister’s office.”

 

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One Response to Lee calls on Barr to confirm growing union influence

cbrapsycho says: 16 July 2024 at 11:46 am

I’d be asking questions of many people, not relying on Barr who has a history of evasion and deflection, but going further to investigate the issues. The union should not be interfering in our public service and certainly not in procurement given the inherent conflict of interest. They should be forced to back off. The fact that construction work in Canberra is really overpriced compared to other jurisdictions is well known.

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