Wednesday 5 November 2025

“Minister Rishworth has used Labor’s numbers in Parliament to shut down the fourth attempt at an inquiry into fresh allegations of corruption while taking advice from CFMEU official, Zach Smith”, said Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations & Employment, Tim Wilson.

Mr Wilson’s comments follow Labor using their numbers to shut down three inquiries from the Coalition into the CFMEU’s Administration and whistleblowers claiming corruption has got worse under the current regime.

“In 24 hours, Labor has shut down Question Time, blocked a Senate Inquiry and now a House Inquiry and debate too,” Mr Wilson said.

“When the Prime Minister shuts down Question Time personally, and Minister Rishworth keeps directing numbers in the House and the Senate to shut down fresh inquiries you know it’s bad in the crisis bunker and they don’t want to answer questions,” Mr Wilson said.

“Every time we get close to exposing what’s really happening inside the CFMEU Administration, Labor slams the door shut,” Mr Wilson said.

“Last week Zach Smith removed himself from the Labor Executive. Now Minister Rishworth is desperate to dodge transparency and will do anything to cover it up.

“Whistleblowers are saying the influence of criminal figures over the union is getting worse under the Administration, not better.

“We don’t know why Minister Rishworth refuses to answer basic questions. We sent her a letter a month ago - she still hasn’t replied. Nor has the Administrator. The Administration stinks,” Mr Wilson said.

“We will pursue accountability through every avenue available. That is what the Australian people want. It doesn’t matter how arrogant the Prime Minister and Minister Rishworth get - we won’t back down.

“We will not stop fighting for transparency, integrity, and honest workers who want nothing to do with the taint and stench of CFMEU corruption that wafts between the Albanese government and the CFMEU”, Mr Wilson said.

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

Senator Maria Kovacic said the Senate will have another opportunity to hold the CFMEU to account.

"Today, the Senate will have another opportunity to vote on the corrupt and criminal conduct in the CFMEU, and the failure of this Government's administration process," said Senator Kovacic.

"Last week, Labor and the Greens teamed up to shut down an inquiry into the CFMEU twice, despite other members of the cross bench voting in favour.

"This Government and their mates in the Greens are running a protection racket for the criminal and corrupt CFMEU, and their failed administration."

ENDS