The Federal Government is attempting to address ongoing controversies surrounding the CFMEU. 

Amid allegations of corruption, criminal infiltration, and other unlawful activities, the government introduced new legislation aimed at fast-tracking the appointment of an external administrator to oversee and reform the union. 

This move comes after the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) failed to consent to the Fair Work Commission's (FWC) application for administration, prompting the government to bypass traditional court procedures.

Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt has introduced a bill to appoint an administrator to take control of the CFMEU's operations. 

The proposed administrator, Melbourne barrister Mark Irving KC, is expected to hold the position for up to three years, with extensive powers to manage the union.

He would be given the ability to suspend or dismiss officials, expel members, alter the union’s rules, and cooperate with law enforcement inquiries. 

The sweeping powers seek to clean up the union and restore democratic control in line with Australian laws.

The urgency of the legislation is underpinned by a long history of legal violations within the CFMEU. 

Federal court documents reveal that the union has breached workplace laws over 2,600 times in the past two decades, resulting in fines exceeding $24 million. 

These violations include allegations of bribery, threats, and intimidation, as well as links to organised crime, particularly within the Victorian branch of the union. 

However, the path to reforming the CFMEU is not without obstacles. 

The Greens and the Coalition have expressed concerns about the bill, with the Greens likely to propose amendments related to civil liberties, particularly around retrospective civil liability. 

The Coalition has raised issues about the extent of the minister's powers and the lack of parliamentary scrutiny, though it is considered unlikely to oppose the bill if it means preventing its defeat.

Despite these legislative efforts, some critics argue that appointing an administrator may not go far enough. 

The Business Council of Australia (BCA) has called for a Royal Commission to fully investigate and address the systemic corruption within the CFMEU. 

Meanwhile, the CFMEU continues to face internal turmoil. 

Michael Greenfield, assistant secretary of the CFMEU's NSW branch, has resigned amid bribery allegations that he says have placed immense pressure on his family. 

His father, Darren Greenfield, remains the state secretary despite facing similar charges. 

The resignation follows intense media scrutiny and government pressure, with Premier Chris Minns previously calling for both Greenfields to step down.

Former Victorian CFMEU boss John Setka, who stepped down soon after the corruption allegations were raised, has re-emerged on social media sporting a new neck tattoo that reads; “GOD FORGIVES THE CFMEU DOESNT”. 

Despite the lack of punctuation, Setka’s gesture has been seen as a sign of the ongoing tension within the union’s leadership.