Wednesday, 3 June 2026

 Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:13): (1336) My question is for the Minister for Industrial Relations. Minister, ACCIONA chief executive Bede Noonan has identified the CFMEU’s monopoly over –

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: Sorry, Mr Mulholland, the minister did not hear the start of your question, so I think it is easier if you just start from the start.

Evan MULHOLLAND: My question is, again, to the Minister for Industrial Relations. Minister, ACCIONA chief executive Bede Noonan has identified the CFMEU’s monopoly over government civil project sites as the root cause of corruption and criminality on Big Build sites. Isn’t it a fact that this government-enabled monopoly is the root cause of corruption on construction sites?

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts) (12:15): Mr Mulholland, that is an attempt to ask me a question in a convoluted way to fit it within my portfolio, but I think it will give me the opportunity to again come back to the work that I have provided updates to the chamber about before, particularly in relation to the Wilson review. Recently we completed the introduction of many of the recommendations. The fit and proper person test for labour hire companies came into force just this week, for example. The Wilson recommendations have been implemented, which were all in response to concerns about inappropriate conduct on government worksites, whether it was involving the CFMEU or any other labour hire companies and the like, so everything was in remit in relation to government sites. The recommendations that have been implemented are setting up the complaints function specifically for concerns around corruption or misconduct on sites, and that is within the workforce inspectorate. We have established the alliance of state and federal industrial and law enforcement agencies, which is an opportunity to share intelligence, share experience and share advice, which can then indeed inform action, particularly whether Victoria Police should act and whether labour hire has a further role to act and indeed has the ability to, again, continue to inform government on anything that it would like. We have introduced reforms to, as I said, the labour hire scheme. We have talked, I think, in lots of contributions from members in relation to the motion that you had earlier, highlighting some of the work that they are doing. Importantly, there are contractual obligations on government contractors to report any suspected criminal or unlawful conduct –

Harriet Shing: Including ACCIONA.

Members interjecting.

Jaclyn SYMES: Which is where I am getting to, Ms Shing, thank you – for the ability and in fact the obligation for government contractors to report any suspected criminal or unlawful conduct to the new corruption complaints referral service. Whether it is an individual that you have named or whether it is anybody else who has a contractual obligation, it is now expected that that information would be passed on so it can be acted on. Mr Mulholland, further, when it comes to addressing the CFMEU, the federal government appointed an administrator who has really taken strong action in that regard. A lot of work has been done in relation to dealing with that union, which is, as is appropriate, the responsibility of the federal government.

 Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:17): Minister, Mr Noonan further states that workers on Big Build sites have lost the freedom to join a non-CFMEU union or not to be a union member at all, and this remains the case even under the CFMEU’s government-appointed administrators that you just spoke about. What specific steps, if any, has the minister taken to restore freedom of association for workers on publicly funded worksites?

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts) (12:18): Indeed you are providing some levels of detail in relation to statements that have been made by Mr Noonan, and I think it is probably worthwhile ensuring we put further statements on the record, because they provide fuller context than the way that you have sought to convey your question. Mr Noonan also said that the joint venture was on track to start tunnelling work from September:

Although high oil prices would increase the cost of concrete used in the tunnels, he said it was “not huge” …

Evan Mulholland: On a point of order, President, on relevance, the question went to what specific steps, if any, the minister has taken to restore freedom of association on publicly funded worksites.

The PRESIDENT: I was a bit concerned with the actual substantive question – and I know we have had this before – asking a minister to comment on someone’s comment, which is difficult. But I will call the minister to the question.

Jaclyn SYMES: Mr Mulholland, you made reference to costs, and I think it is just important to ensure that there is comprehensive information on the record. ACCIONA’s chief executive also said that taxpayers could get essential infrastructure built for less if government streamlined planning, design and approval processes, which he argues are the overwhelming cause of cost blowouts. In relation to the union coverage, DMARC and the like, I have had ongoing correspondence with Mr Furlong at the Fair Work Commission in relation to these matters, because it is a federal responsibility.

 Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:20): I move:

That the minister’s response be taken into account on the next day of meeting.

Motion agreed to.