Former CMFEU officials have filed a challenge to the High Court against the “undemocratic” laws forcing the union into administration. Image source: Kgbo, via Wikimedia Commons.
Former CFMEU president Jade Ingham has launched a High Court challenge against the Labor government’s law forcing the union into administration over alleged corruption.
Ingham said the dispute against the “new unconstitutional and undemocratic laws” affecting members of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) — one of the largest unions in Australia, representing over 140,000 workers — had been filed on Tuesday 3 September.
Labor passed the legislation with the Liberal–National Coalition support on 19 August following allegations by Nine News that the union was consorting with organised criminal groups.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus placed the construction arm of the CFMEU under administration days later.
Ingham said in a statement on Tuesday, “Members are furious about their union being taken away from them. Their union has been stolen from them.”
“This is active treachery and class warfare against the working class in this country from the state and federal governments,” he said.
More than 60,000 people rallied across Australia to protest the “undemocratic” law on 27 August, with the largest demonstration in Melbourne.
Former Queensland and Northern Territory construction secretary Michael Ravbar said at a demonstration in Brisbane that he would be a plaintiff in the case.
Ravbar was among 21 CFMEU leaders in Queensland removed from his position to make way for the administrator.
According to the Guardian, the former CMFEU officials’ challenge is expected to argue the law breached the separation of powers.
Ingham said the Electrical Trades Union, Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, Rail Tram and Bus Union, firefighters’ union, and plumbers’ union have financially supported their case.
“They understand that this is not just about the CFMEU,” he said.
“This is a very dangerous precedent to set, and what the Labor party have done is given a blueprint to the conservatives of this country to attack trade unions.”
“These laws should concern any Australian who is concerned about democracy and who cares about our country.
“These laws have been put in place by a bunch of politicians who have now usurped the entire legal justice system… in response to a TV show.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the legal challenge was “fully expected” and said the government will defend its position.
