Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
Qld construction union quits Labor’s left
A powerful construction union has quit Queensland Labor’s left faction saying it’s a “creche for party hacks” and out of touch with the working class.
August 26, 2020
A powerful construction union has dumped the Queensland Labor party’s left faction two months out from the state election, labelling it a “protection racket for dud” politicians.
The Queensland branch of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) says it can be a more effective advocate for workers without the faction.
The left’s leadership vacuum has seen a once-powerful voice for workers dissolve into “a creche for party hacks”, construction division secretary Michael Ravbar said in a statement on Wednesday.
He said its internal struggles had meant not enough resources were being devoted to policy platforms reflecting socially and economically progressive values.
“In the process, the faction has become little more a protection racket for dud members, such as Jackie Trad, who as former deputy premier bears much of the blame for the failure,” Mr Ravbar said.
He said left faction had “lost touch with their working-class roots”.
Mr Ravbar said the CFMEU would remain affiliated with the ALP but would be a more potent force without any formal factional links.
Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles rejected Mr Ravbar’s comments saying he was too focused on the COVID-19 crisis to consider internal politics.
He said the Palaszczuk government had worked closely with unions, such as the CFMEU, throughout the pandemic to keep people employed.
“They’ve been bedrocks of our economy,” he said.