As the CFMEU begins to crumble amid allegations of union links to bikie gangs, the Opposition is calling on Peter Malinauskas to launch an independent audit of state infrastructure projects to investigate potential wrongdoing in South Australia.
Former militant leader John Setka – who was welcomed to South Australia by Peter Malinauskas – has resigned over the explosive allegations while the CFMEU’s SA branch has been placed into administration.
Among the allegations are claims that criminals were awarded plum jobs on Government-funded projects controlled by John Setka.
The audit must be conducted independently because of Labor’s staunch ties to the CFMEU and because Peter Malinauskas previously accepted a $125,000 donation from the Victorian branch of the union on behalf of his party.
It is inappropriate for Tom Koutsantonis to be part of any audit because his department accepted money from the CFMEU to advertise John Setka on State Government owned public transport assets.
Opposition analysis - which has been independently verified - has previously revealed the CFMEU’s infiltration of the North-South Corridor project and new Women’s and Children’s Hospital project could see a $1.8 billion cost blowout.
Leader of the Opposition, David Speirs, said “the Malinauskas Labor Government cannot investigate itself when it comes to the CFMEU and potential criminal conduct”.
“Peter Malinauskas and Labor made a catastrophic mistake by rolling out the red carpet for John Setka and the CFMEU to come into South Australia,” Mr Speirs said.
“Because of Peter Malinauskas’ loyal ties to the CFMEU, this audit must be conducted independently and at arm’s length from the Labor Party to ensure transparency.
“Peter Malinauskas was warned of the devastating impacts of the CFMEU’s entry into South Australia, but he was too arrogant to listen and gave John Setka the green light.
“Reports about John Setka and the CFMEU come as no surprise and that’s why we need an independent audit of state infrastructure projects to determine if there has been any criminal conduct on local worksites.”
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Vincent Tarzia, said Peter Malinauskas always promised South Australians he would act against the CFMEU’s inappropriate behaviour.
“Our construction industry must come before Labor mates and finally Peter Malinauskas is taking this issue seriously,” Mr Tarzia said.
“It’s unacceptable that South Australia’s biggest infrastructure projects were potentially exposed to criminals when there are billions of taxpayer dollars on the line.
“Peter Malinauskas and Labor must stand up to the CFMEU and support our legislation to form a South Australian Construction Industry Commissioner.
“We must boost South Australia’s defence against the CFMEU and any other organisation that thinks it can use dirty tactics of intimidation and threatening behaviour to take control of worksites.”
