Political Tug-of-War: Coalition Fights for Credit on CFMEU Bill

After several disagreements in passing the bill to place the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining, and Energy Union (CFMEU) under administration, some Coalition and Independent MPs claimed credit for raising the issue and ensuring the bill’s passage. As soon as the bill was introduced in the House after amendments by the Home Minister Tony Burke, arguments erupted. Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley, accused the Labor government, which she claimed was funded by the CFMEU and won the last election using union funds, of falling into its own trap. “You might have won the last election because of the CFMEU, but you aren’t running the show now. Only the Coalition has what it takes to stand up to the CFMEU. Your name might be on this bill, but we did the work. I commend the bill to the House,” Ley said....