CFMEU to be suspended by NSW Labor, says Chris Minns

“We must take the necessary action to protect honest and hard-working construction workers and union members. It is necessary to protect the integrity of the construction sector and unions in NSW,” the statement said.

Minns is expected to elaborate on the allegations at a press conference on Wednesday.

In conversation with Ben Fordham about 2GBMookhey said he was ready for a fight with the union “if he has to” and confirmed the government would take steps to remove the union leadership in NSW.

“It has taken the Labor Party a long time to regain the public’s trust. We will not squander that trust and have made it clear to everyone that this behavior has no role whatsoever in our party,” he said of the allegations.

The NSW episodes come after a major investigation by this Masthead, The Australian Financial Review And 60 minutes revealed new allegations in Victoria against CFMEU deputy secretary Derek Christopher, who is vying to succeed former boss John Setka.

The investigation revealed that Christopher had received an estimated $200,000 worth of free labor and materials from major construction companies in 2017 and remained the subject of a police investigation for corruption.

There’s more to come

The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the most important and interesting stories, analyses and insights of the day. Login here.