CFMEU

The Hon. B.R. HOOD (15:22): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Attorney-General regarding the CFMEU.

Leave granted.

The Hon. B.R. HOOD: Last week, the administrator appointed to run the Victorian branch of the CFMEU, Mark Irving KC, provided a response to the interim report from Geoffrey Watson SC, who was tasked to investigate allegations of crime and corruption in that union. Mr Irving's response confirms that he is initiating a detailed investigation into the South Australian branch in relation to sexual harassment of female delegates, unlawful kickbacks, menacing, violent and threatening behaviour by delegates, outlaw motorcycle gang connections to the branch, and breaches of fiduciary obligations as well as any other corruption or criminal activity in the sector. My questions to the Attorney-General are:

1. Has the Attorney read Mark Irving KC's response to the interim report of Geoffrey Watson SC into the potential criminal links in the CFMEU?

2. As Minister for Industrial Relations, does he share Mr Irving's view that the matters addressed by Mr Watson are of the utmost seriousness and concern?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:23): I thank the honourable member for his question. As I have answered just earlier today and in weeks gone by in this chamber, yes, I think most Australians would have been concerned about what they have seen in the national media about behaviour of some elements of the CFMEU's general and construction division. As I have answered just earlier today in question time, we as a state government support the administration.

In relation to the report: yes, I think I have read the one or have looked through the report the honourable member refers to, but I am very keen to be kept informed of everything that's going on in relation to the CFMEU and how it applies in South Australia because, of course, the South Australian branch was under the administration of the Victorian branch up until recently before the administrators were appointed. Going to the honourable member's question, it's not just the Victorian division but I think it's also the New South Wales, the Queensland and the South Australian divisions that the construction and general division are in administration.