Thursday 30 October 2025

“CFMEU’s Zach Smith has been forced off the Labor Party’s National Executive after the Prime Minister has had to distance himself from relying on Smith’s support, but the Minister blocking a Senate Inquiry into union corruption is still rely on Smith as a key adviser”, said Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, Employment and Small Business, Tim Wilson.

Mr Wilson said the resignation was a direct result of sustained pressure by the Coalition to expose the conflict of interest at the heart of the Albanese Government but was shocked that somehow Mr Smith still remains at the table with Minister Rishworth.

“The media exposed the connection between Smith, John Setka and Mick Gatto, but it took Opposition pressure before the Prime Minister forced him off the National Executive, yet he stays on as a key adviser to Minister Rishworth”, Mr Wilson said.

“Zach Smith’s resignation is an admission of the conflict of interest that Labor tried to deny. It is a victory for transparency and accountability, but it is only step one in the process - now we need an inquiry to reveal the full scale of corruption, cartel networks and why officials have been placed into positions only later to be sacked on allegations of corruption.”

“Fifteen months after being placed into Administration, whistleblowers are saying corruption inside the CFMEU has gotten worse, not better.

“Bribes, cartel kickbacks and secret meetings are happening. Australians are paying the price through higher costs for homes and taxpayer-funded infrastructure.”

Mr Wilson reiterated the Opposition’s call for a full parliamentary inquiry.

“Labor tried to cover this up by hiding behind the Administrator. Now they are trying to pretend the problem has been solved by shifting Zach Smith out of Labor’s National Executive, it hasn’t and he is still advising the Minister blocking a comprehensive Senate Inquiry into the CFMEU Administration.”

“The only way to restore integrity to the Administration is through a full parliamentary inquiry. Australians deserve nothing less.”

ENDS