After more than 30 years in the construction industry, Senator Tyron Whitten knows firsthand the dedication, skill, and pride that hardworking tradies bring to every job site across Australia. He also understands how corruption and intimidation can destroy good workplaces and drive up costs for everyone.

For years, the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) has been one of the biggest drivers of inflated costs in the construction sector—supported and protected by the Labor Government. Despite Labor’s claims of reform, the union continues to operate unchecked, spreading corruption and coercion throughout the industry.

Reports of bullying, lawlessness, and misuse of workers’ funds have become widespread. Contractors are pressured, workers are silenced, and millions of dollars meant for employees have been squandered. Meanwhile, Labor governments have taken donations from the CFMEU and dismantled key watchdogs such as the Building and Construction Commission, which once held the union to account.

These failures have real consequences. Every time the CFMEU inflates costs through criminal or coercive behaviour, ordinary Australians pay the price. Those inflated costs flow directly into higher housing prices, more expensive infrastructure, and greater pressure on taxpayers.

Senator Whitten says Labor’s cosy relationship with the CFMEU isn’t just unethical and it’s market sabotage! It’s fuelling the housing crisis and betraying the very workers Labor claims to represent.

It’s time to restore integrity to the construction industry. Australia needs a government that stands with workers, not with bullies and corrupt unions.