Albanese's integrity shaken by CFMEU revelations

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's integrity is in tatters today after it was revealed that he was informed in detail about criminal and underworld links with the CFMEU over a decade ago.

The Albanese government has repeatedly told the Australian people that it only learned of the criminal infiltration and corrupt behaviour of the CFMEU through recent media reports.

This claim is completely undermined by the revelations in The Australian newspaper.

Mr Albanese must look the Australian people in the eye and tell them the truth.

He should admit that he has known about the criminal links and other conduct within the CFMEU for many years.

Mr Albanese should explain in detail what he did with the information provided to him in 2014. He should explain what follow-up action, if any, he took.

He should admit to whom he passed the information and whether he followed up on the matter. It seems that Mr Albanese has buried his head in the sand.

The Prime Minister should explain why the Australian Labor Party continued to accept millions in donations from the CFMEU despite knowing about its criminal links.

Mr Albanese should explain why the Labor Party fought tooth and nail to oppose the introduction of the Australian Building and Construction Commission and the Registered Organisations Commission in 2016.

Mr Albanese is still fighting a bill the Coalition has introduced in this Parliament that aims to restore the ABCC while ensuring the integrity of the construction industry by keeping criminals out of the building trade.

Mr Albanese should support this legislation immediately.