CFMEU

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (15:01): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before directing a question to the Attorney-General in relation to the CFMEU.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: I understand, and I think it has been reported in this chamber, that the South Australian police have completed their investigation into the South Australian branch, concluding that no criminal behaviour has been found. However, there are ongoing concerns about the CFMEU in our community and inappropriate conduct persisting. My questions for the Attorney therefore are:

1. Given these ongoing concerns, does it concern the minister that elements still contain influence within South Australia's construction industry?

2. Will he outline his support for the CFMEU being placed into administration and what were the reasons if they were not criminal but inappropriate?

3. In light of broader national concerns about corruption and bikie links, does he believe it is appropriate for associates to operate without further external oversight?

4. Does he continue to engage with the CFMEU?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:02): I thank the honourable member for her question. I am not sure what she means by associates, but I am sure she will clarify that by way of a supplementary. In relation to the first part of the question, 'Does this government support the CFMEU construction and general divisions in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland being placed into administration and the federal body?' yes, the South Australian government does support that.

The honourable member talked about the fact that the police didn't find any evidence of criminality, I think, on construction sites but, as I have said in this chamber in the last few weeks, most people who saw the national media reporting, particularly on the television and in the newspapers, would have been disturbed at what they saw in relation to the Victorian CFMEU. It was the Victorian CFMEU that were administering the South Australian branch, so we think the appropriate action has been taken.