Andrew Barr denies CFMEU influence, despite government backing union-backed
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the government has never been influenced by the CFMEU. But the opposition pointed to times it adopted union-backed proposals.
Andrew Barr told parliament the ACT government has never been influenced by the CFMEU. Opposition members laughed.
Barr said supporting a proposal does not prove the union caused it. He was answering questions about his government's past support for union-backed policies.
The opposition listed the Secure Local Jobs Code. The government introduced it after the CFMEU attacked the then industrial relations minister.
The union took credit for the code in its own magazine in 2019. Multiple Labor MLAs thanked the CFMEU in inaugural speeches.
In 2022, now-minister Michael Pettersson stood alongside the CFMEU secretary. He threatened to introduce his own bill on property developer licensing if the Greens minister did not act.
Barr argued that business groups, unions, community organisations and media all seek to influence policy in a democracy. He said alignment does not mean control.
- Secure Local Jobs Code
- Code introduced
- 2019 in CFMEU magazine
- Union took credit
- Mark Parton
- Opposition leader
Why it mattersThe exchange raises questions about how much sway unions have over ACT government choices. It also raises questions about whether the government is open enough about those ties.
AustraliaACT government policies on construction work, developer licensing and labour standards are shaped by these relationships, affecting workers and businesses in the territory.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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