Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union

Walsh criticised the opposition for focusing on union deregistration rather than addressing cost of living issues or their proposed $350 billion in budget cuts. Walsh argued that Peter Dutton’s past record as health minister involved significant cuts to public hospitals and that his policies threatened Medicare and public service jobs. Walsh highlighted economic improvements under the Labor government, including job growth and wage increases, contrasting them with the opposition’s lack of detailed policy.

Bragg argued that the government prioritised union interests over solving economic problems like housing affordability and inflation. Bragg claimed that CFMEU activities inflated apartment building costs by 20 to 30 per cent and highlighted issues with the Cbus superannuation fund, which is partly owned by the union. Bragg pointed to the Treasurer’s silence on Cbus scandals compared to his criticism of other institutions, alleging a double standard and structural corruption within the Labor Party.

Sterle defended industry superannuation funds against claims of corruption, citing his own experience with Team Super. Sterle argued that these funds were established through collective bargaining and provided better returns than retail funds while protecting members from high fees. Sterle rejected allegations of mafia or criminal influence on fund boards, emphasising the equal representation of employer and employee representatives in governance.

Colbeck lamented the state of the construction industry, citing corruption and violence facilitated by government legislation. Colbeck argued that CFMEU involvement increased project costs by 30 to 40 per cent and noted the high success rate of the abolished Australian Building and Construction Commission. Colbeck referenced investigations alleging that the Victorian Labor government ran a protection racket and criticised the federal government for failing to address these issues.