Independent MP Zoe Daniel has called for the establishment of a new watchdog to address the “toxic elements” within the CFMEU. 

Daniel's remarks come amidst a series of allegations linking the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) Victorian construction branch to organised crime.

Daniel argues that the Albanese government's plan to appoint an independent administrator to oversee the CFMEU is insufficient. 

She has called for a more comprehensive approach, including the potential creation of a new regulatory body to ensure proper oversight and address misconduct within the union.

“The toxic elements of the CFMEU absolutely have to be cleaned out. And so maybe that’s an administrator and a police investigation … and then a form of watchdog as well,” Daniel has told the ABC. 

These developments follow a series of investigative reports by Channel Nine media outlets, which alleged links between the CFMEU and organised crime. 

In response, Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke announced last week that the Fair Work Commission would be empowered to appoint independent administrators to CFMEU branches. 

Burke also indicated that new legislation might be introduced if the union contested these measures.

Burke has further requested that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigate the allegations in collaboration with state police authorities. 

The CFMEU's troubles have prompted significant political reactions. 

Opposition leader Peter Dutton described the government's decision to appoint an independent administrator as the “weakest possible path” and pledged to reintroduce legislation to restore the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC), which was abolished by the Labor government earlier this year.

On Sunday, Assistant Climate Change Minister Jenny McAllister criticised Dutton, questioning why the ABCC had not addressed these issues during its seven years of operation under the previous Coalition government. 

McAllister highlighted Dutton's 2019 claim that outlaw motorcycle gangs had infiltrated the CFMEU, questioning the lack of action taken at that time.

In the wake of these allegations, the ALP federal executive has suspended the affiliation rights of the CFMEU's Victorian, NSW, Tasmanian, and South Australian construction branches. 

The executive says it will not accept any fees from the CFMEU during this suspension period, and delegates from the union will be barred from voting.

The CFMEU has yet to publicly respond to these developments. However, the New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, has requested the union's state affiliation with the Labor party be immediately suspended and called for the resignation of the union's state boss, Darren Greenfield, who is facing bribery charges.

The Victorian government has also announced the terms of an independent review into the state's construction sector. 

Greg Wilson, former Secretary of the Department of Justice, will lead the review, which aims to identify ways to strengthen legislation and remove individuals involved in criminal activities. 

Wilson is expected to provide an interim report by August 29 and a final report by the end of November.