The result of the federal election means that unions are operating in a very different political environment than during the term of the Rudd Labor government.

Julia Gillard could only form government with the support of The Greens’ Adam Bandt and three independents. In July next year, the Greens will hold the balance of power in the Senate.

This new political landscape gives the CFMEU a renewed opportunity to get rid of the ABCC and restore rights to construction workers around Australia.

I have consistently maintained that we have no problem with the ALP generally and in the first term of their government, they delivered some important policies and programs that were of benefit to workers. There are also individual ALP MPs who have supported the CFMEU both publicly and privately and who we in turn supported in the last election.

However, the Greens have consistently committed to abolishing the ABCC and their numbers in the Senate from July next year mean that there is a good chance we can get rid of the oppressive laws that hang over every construction worker in Australia.

Changes at top of CFMEU
There is also a new political landscape in our national union. John Sutton has not been endorsed for another term as national Secretary. The election of Michael O’Connor heralds a new more cooperative era for the CFMEU and all its different components.

Unlike previous leaderships that have contributed to division in the union, Michael is committed to making the union work together as a whole.

Michael, federal secretary of the forestry division, is a tough negotiator, committed to his members, but also someone who understands that unions have to move with the times to stay relevant.

These are exciting and interesting times for unions to be operating in and I believe that the new leadership of our union is best placed to meet the challenges ahead for all CFMEU members, not only in Victoria, but around Australia.

Bill Oliver
State Secretary