The Integrity Commissioner, the Hon. Michael Adams KC, believes the issue of lobbying politicians should be investigated, following allegations of ACT Labor’s entanglement with the CFMEU (Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union).

“The question of the CFMEU raises the whole question of lobbying by organisations, both of departments, of particular public servants, and of politicians,” Mr Adams said. “It is a problem in every jurisdiction in Australia. If I had the resources, I would have an enquiry about lobbying in the ACT. I don’t have the resources at present. It’s on my wish-list to undertake.”

The Victorian branch of the CFMEU allegedly engaged in corrupt or criminal behaviour and is associated with bikie gangs.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr announced that ACT Labor would not accept any donations from any branch of the CFMEU.

Unlike many Labor premiers, however, Mr Barr has not suspended the party’s affiliation with the CFMEU, to which many of his MLAs have strong ties.

Nor will he hold a probe into ACT Government-approved projects where the CFMEU was involved.

The ACT branch of the CFMEU donated $50,000 to ACT Labor at the 2020 election. (Altogether, unions donated nearly $90,760 to the party.)

Mr Barr has stated that ACT Labor has received no donations from the Victorian branch of the CFMEU, and that the allegations do not include the ACT branch of the CFMEU.

The Canberra Liberals allege that the CFMEU influences the selection of party leaders and proposed policies. This weekend, the ACT Labor conference will consider the CFMEU’s proposal that it be granted greater powers over procurement decisions and the hiring of senior public servants.

“In answer to questions in Estimates on Tuesday, Andrew Barr continued to deflect and dodge whilst other Labor leaders are stepping up and taking action,” opposition leader Elizabeth Lee said.

“If the Integrity Commissioner thinks there are grounds for an investigation into lobbying of public servants and politicians in the ACT, it makes Andrew Barr’s comments this week even more extraordinary…

“Who really runs the ACT: Andrew Barr or the unions?”