Contributed
A realisation that there is more to the move to suppress the Construction division of the CFMEU than dealing with people involved in crime gangs. This is an attack on the basic right to freedom of association, risking serious repercussions that go beyond the affairs of one union.
It must be pointed out that this is an attack on the right to be a member of a union and to be represented by one. If there is genuine concern over real criminal activity, it should be dealt with through proper law enforcement and legal process.
This isn’t being done shows that the attack is a politically motivated and aimed to pursue a political agenda. An agenda to render unions in this country ineffective, for the purpose of pursuing an economic direction where a few at the top get more and Australia’s working men and women get less.
Albanese led Labor in partnership with Peter Dutton’s Coalition, has taken the road of trial by media and a deliberate attack on what is supposed to be proper legal principles and processes. Together, they have passed a law in the Senate, to clear the way to impose control over the union. No one has been charged yet found guilty of a crime on proven evidence. To their credit, the Greens opposed this circumvention of what is supposed to be the separation of powers between the parliament and the law.
Behind this is a consensus of the major parties to continue to apply neoliberal economic policy, and an increasing appetite to remove what the political elite consider obstacles in the way.
It used to be held that one is innocent until proven guilty. It used to be said that one has the right to defend oneself. Not anymore. This sets a precedent that will not stop at one union. Others will become targets in the push to step up the protection of the privileges of the one percent.
The CFMEU is being targeted because it has consistently led the union movement in winning improved wages and working conditions. These have spilled over to all workers across Australia. Through this, the union has won tremendous support from construction workers.
The Albanese/Dutton attack denies the right of these workers to elect their delegates and officials and have a voice in the running of their union. They are the real and immediate target. Albanese and Dutton are really saying that construction workers have no right to have democratic control and choose their leaders.
Allegations made include that some members of biker gangs have been elected. Being a member of a biker gang. Accusations based on association are a denial of another basic right. Should an individual be found guilty of a crime that makes them unsuitable for a post, the matter can be dealt with.
These are the reasons why civil liberties groups and other unions are starting to speak out. As the reality of what is going on begins to sink in, opposition to the Albanese/Dutton attack will grow. It has already caused stirrings within the Labor party membership. Anger is on the rise, and this will chip away at Albanese’s and Labor’s credibility.
If what Albanese and Dutton are doing now were to be applied equally to all and without favour, Labor and the Coalition would both have been put under administration long ago. Neither have lacked individuals who have been guilty of having committed a crime in a court.
Take the examples of convicted individuals like Frank Ford (Liberal), Michael Cobb (National), Andrew Theophanous (Labor) Craig Thompson (Labor), Eddie Obid and Ian Macdonald (Labor NSW), Paul Pisasale (Labor NSW), Russel Northe (National Victoria), Brian Burker (Labor WA), and Graham Burkett (Labor). This doesn’t count those who have conflicting and improper relationships with big business.
Why has there no investigation decision to put these parties into administration? The principle of equality before the law demands They would argue that the organisation should not be punished for the wrongdoings of an individual. The same rule should apply to all then.
It’s time to call out this double standard.