Thousands of construction workers have taken to the streets across Australia to protest the federal government’s takeover of the construction arm of the CFMEU.
The strike, which began at 11am, has halted major building projects across Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and Cairns.
The embattled CFMEU was placed into administration last week after new revelations aired by 60 Minutes and Nine newspapers following allegations the union has been infiltrated by criminal figures.
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Victorian members gathered outside the Trades Hall on Lygon Street today and have begun marching to the Fair Work Commission on Exhibition Street.
Industrial Relations Minister and Treasurer Tim Pallas told reporters today that everybody had the right to legitimate industrial action that the Fair Work Commission deemed appropriate.
“The action being taken today is not appropriate. I am more than happy to make very clear that this action is unjustified and unlawful,” Pallas said.
“We would urge people to get back to work as soon as possible.”
Victoria Police are also on scene and have warned there would be traffic diversions in place.
“General duties police will have a visible presence at the event to ensure community safety,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
“A number of traffic management points will be in place throughout the CBD between approximately 10.30am and 1pm, so we ask that people be patient, plan their journey and allow extra travel time.
“Victoria Police respects the right for individuals to protest lawfully, however we ask they do so peacefully, without impacting the broader community.”
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NSW Police have shifted their focus to the Sydney gathering, confirming they were attending an “unauthorised” protest.
Police have advised there are rolling road closures taking place along Macquarie Street and Elizabeth Street, heading towards Hyde Park.
Sacked CFMEU NSW leader secretary Darren Greenfield is among the many to give speeches to the growing crowd.
He labelled ACTU secretary Sally McManus as a “sellout”.
The crowd is stretching from the gates of parliament, past the Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended his government’s decision to place the CFMEU into administration while speaking to reporters from the Western Sydney Airport today.
He said the move was ”in the interests of all trade unionists”.
“We respect the work that construction workers do,” Albanese said.
“It’s a tough job and they do magnificent work, including here at this wonderful airport.
“What we want to do, though, is to make sure that their union is free of corruption.”
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Meanwhile, in Brisbane, office buildings near Queens Gardens park were reportedly locked down following the strike.
Staff at the Queensland government’s main offices on 1 William Street were told they couldn’t leave the building as thousands of workers walked off the job.
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