Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Hansard source

There are unfortunately—again, including the proceedings that have now been commenced—currently 81 CFMEU representatives before the courts around Australia and many of these 81 representatives represent the highest levels of union leadership. The list of 81 includes Michael O'Connor, two divisional presidents, four state secretaries, one national secretary, seven assistant state secretaries, and the list goes on. The courts have imposed almost $7 million in penalties on the CFMEU. The CFMEU is a respondent in 53 matters currently before the courts. The systemic unlawfulness in the construction and general division of the CFMEU clearly demonstrates that the current penalties are seen as nothing more and nothing less than the cost of doing business. This must stop.