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  • 4 hours ago
Canberra's building industry peak body and the Canberra Liberals have raised concerns about what they say is a "culture of union interference" in the ACT government calling for a review, shake-up or even axing of the secure local jobs code. It comes in the wake of integrity commission findings which saw Yvette Berry resign as deputy chief minister after government officials were found to have engaged in serious corrupt conduct.

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00:01The Integrity Commission's report, released yesterday, made no findings against the CFMEU
00:07and the Chief Minister has no qualms about his Industrial Relations Minister, Michael Pedersen, being a member.
00:14We all enjoy freedom of association in this country
00:17but clearly organisations that have the potential to cause reputational harm to individuals
00:25it would be up to individuals to make the decision in that regard.
00:28But the report did find now former Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry's
00:32then Chief of Staff Joshua Saramitis and former Education Directorate Head Katie Hare
00:38dishonestly provided a back door by which the strategic interests of the CFMEU were given priority.
00:45A contract for work on Campbell Primary School was awarded to Lendlease
00:48whose tender had been found to be poorer value for money than a bid from Mantina
00:53a company it was thought would create industrial issues with the union.
00:57Mr Saramitis disputes the findings and the ABC has sought comment from Ms Hare.
01:02Companies seeking ACT Government work must hold a secure local jobs code certificate
01:08which requires employers to actively support union representation and collective bargaining.
01:14The opposition argues the code should be changed.
01:17The broad concept is brilliant but what's actually rolling out on the ground I think is not reflective of that
01:24broader principle.
01:25There are a lot of safeguards now for workers. For example payday super and underpayment is now a criminal offence.
01:33The idea that we should have to go through this whole compliance process which is actually badged as a local
01:40economic development tool is absurd.
01:43The master builders would go a step further.
01:46I think we seriously need to consider getting rid of it.
01:49The CFMEU declined to comment while the government argues though its officials are reviewing the commission's findings.
01:55The establishment of centralized responsibility for major procurements through Infrastructure Canberra in 2024 along with other changes provides oversight.
02:04Meanwhile the ACT Labor caucus will meet early next week to sign on a replacement for Yvette Berry in Cabinet
02:10with Rachel Stephen Smith considered the likely contender to become Deputy Chief Minister.
02:17Clash Cantor and co- Choi
02:17Noticiative
02:17Only
02:17You
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