CFMEU

The Hon. H.M. GIROLAMO (15:17): I seek leave to give a brief explanation before asking a question of the Attorney-General on the behaviour and conduct of the CFMEU.

Leave granted.

The Hon. H.M. GIROLAMO: On Tuesday 29 August 2023, the Attorney-General is quoted in Hansard as saying the following in response to a question asked by the Hon. Michelle Lensink:

So in relation to any reports or any evidence that people have of untoward behaviour, given we have had such a harmonious industrial relations environment for many, many years in South Australia, would those people who say they have evidence of it please pass it on so it can be properly investigated.

Additionally, on Thursday 22 February 2024, in response to a question regarding the CFMEU from the Hon. Dennis Hood MLC, he said:

Certainly, I think it is fair to say that South Australia has a comparatively enviable harmonious industrial relations landscape, and we expect that to continue. The players in South Australia have been mature and pragmatic and it has brought about good results for South Australians, and there is no reason that won't continue, and that is exactly what we expect to happen.

My questions to the Attorney-General are:

1. Does the Attorney-General still stand by these responses?

2. Does the Attorney-General regret not taking action earlier in regard to the behaviour and conduct of the CFMEU and the concerns raised in this place?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:18): I thank the honourable member for her question. It is a pity that there wasn't any specific incident or actual concern raised by any single member of the opposition in relation to what they are talking about. The opposition said, 'Maybe we've got a bit of a vibe about something'—not a single specific allegation.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: And when challenged—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: —when challenged not one of them had a specific allegation. As I said before, what we have seen in media reports over the break, particularly out of Victoria's construction and general division of the CFMEU, I think has been shocking, and we support the federal government's actions.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! I think the Hon. Ms Bonaros has a supplementary question.