WHO VOTED FOR AND AGAINST THE CFMEU ADMINISTRATION BILL 2024 and WHY THIS MATTERS FOR THE 2025 FEDERAL ELECTION

17 Apr

In 2024, the Albanese Labor Government did something no working class party would ever do, it passed a bill to place a union under direct government control, remove democratically elected officials, and silence the voice of thousands of construction workers. The CFMEU Administration Bill was rammed through Parliament with bipartisan support from major parties, such as the LNP and ALP and it set a precedent that threatens every union in this country.

This isn’t just about the CFMEU. This is about every worker's right to choose their leaders, to organise for better pay and conditions, and to speak up without fear of state interference. Whether you’re a nurse, teacher, truckie, warehouse worker, cleaner or sparkie, this bill was a warning shot.

For years, politicians have talked about transparency and accountability, but this bill was passed without proof, without trial, and without talking to the people that matter, Union Members, They didn’t wait for a judge. They didn’t speak to the members. They just legislated democracy away.

That’s why we are calling on every voter to put democracy first in the upcoming federal election.

This report names every MP and Senator who voted for this bill — and those who stood against it. It tells you what they said and why they voted the way they did. It’s your guide to know who stood up for your rights, and who sold them off.

Put the parties who attacked democracy last. Vote for the people who stood up. Vote for those who will fight to repeal the bill and defend your union.

Because if we let this pass without a fight, we’re next.

For a deeper look at how your local MP or Senator has voted — not just on this bill, but across a range of issues that affect workers, unions and human rights — head to theyvoteforyou.org.au.

It’s an independent, searchable database of every vote cast in Parliament. Find out who really represents you, not just what they say, but how they vote when it counts.

INDIVIDUAL REASONS FOR VOTING FOR THE BILL

Labor Party (entire caucus)

Tony Burke (Workplace Relations Minister): Claimed certain elements within the CFMEU had "lost their way" and said the government was acting to restore accountability in the union.
Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister): Backed the bill on the basis of "cleaning up corruption" and maintaining confidence in registered organisations.
Other Labor MPs: Followed party discipline; no dissent was permitted. No member publicly broke ranks.

Liberal & National Parties (Senate only)

Michaelia Cash (Liberal, WA): Demanded tougher amendments including a 3-year minimum term and an administrator’s pledge to cease political donations. Supported the amended bill in the Senate.
Simon Birmingham (Liberal, SA): Called the CFMEU a lawless entity and framed the bill as overdue reform.

Jacqui Lambie Network

Jacqui Lambie (TAS): Claimed CFMEU leaders were "thugs and bullies". Said she was voting to protect workers from being manipulated by corrupt union officials.
Tammy Tyrrell (TAS): Supported her party’s position; echoed Lambie’s remarks on union conduct.

One Nation

Pauline Hanson (QLD): Argued the CFMEU was rife with lawlessness and supported the use of administrators.
Malcolm Roberts (QLD): Said union corruption had gone unpunished and supported stronger oversight.

David Pocock (ACT)

Supported the bill after Labor agreed to amendments. Claimed he was satisfied with oversight provisions and the temporary nature of administration.

Ralph Babet (UAP, VIC)

Said the CFMEU was a "corrupt entity" and welcomed the administrator powers as a way to restore integrity.

INDIVIDUAL REASONS FOR VOTING AGAINST THE BILL

The Australian Greens

Adam Bandt (Melbourne): Described the bill as an "authoritarian attack" on union democracy. Warned of a precedent where any union could be taken over without a trial.
David Shoebridge (NSW, Senate): Called it unconstitutional, arguing it removed elected officials without judicial findings.
Larissa Waters (QLD, Senate): Emphasised the bill bypassed the courts and undermined worker-led governance.
Mehreen Faruqi, Nick McKim, Jordan Steele-John, Peter Whish-Wilson, Penny Allman-Payne, Sarah Hanson-Young, Dorinda Cox, Elizabeth Watson-Brown, Max Chandler-Mather, Stephen Bates: All echoed themes of democratic erosion, legal overreach, and union rights.

MPs Who Voted NO – Their Reasons

Independents & Crossbenchers (House of Representatives) – Reasons for Voting NO

Zali Steggall – Said the bill removed elected officials without proper legal process. Supported democratic structures and member control.
Allegra Spender – Criticised the speed and lack of transparency in the bill’s passage. Called it an overreach of power.
Monique Ryan – Said the bill created a dangerous precedent and lacked any public evidence to justify intervention.
Zoe Daniel – Opposed the principle of removing elected officials by legislation. Highlighted lack of consultation with members.
Helen Haines – Argued the bill failed to meet democratic standards and would impact union integrity long-term.
Kylea Tink – Warned it gave broad unchecked powers and undermined fair processes.
Kate Chaney – Questioned the need for a bill of this scale without judicial proof.
Andrew Wilkie – Labelled it an abuse of power and a step toward authoritarianism.
Rebekha Sharkie – Opposed the rushed nature of the bill and lack of evidence. Said the process was flawed.
Russell Broadbent – Broke ranks with the Coalition. Said workers deserved due process. Voted on principle but typically leans towards LNP.
Dai Le – Defended union democracy and said culturally diverse communities are often the most impacted by top-down decisions.

Tamara Cecilia Magni