Budget — Consideration by Estimates Committees

Jessica Collins

At the request of Senator Kovacic, I move:

That the Senate:

(a) notes that:

(i) Mr Mark Irving KC was appointed as Administrator of the Construction and General Division of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) on 23 August 2024 and will continue to assist the CFMEU as Senior Counsel after his resignation as Administrator takes effect on 1 June 2026, and

(ii) Mr Michael Crosby will replace Mr Irving as Administrator; and

(b) directs Mr Irving and Mr Crosby to attend the Budget estimates hearings of the Education and Employment Legislation Committee in the week commencing 2 June 2026 to give evidence and answer questions regarding the administration of the CFMEU.

Katy Gallagher

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines

Leave is granted for one minute.

Katy Gallagher

Under the scheme of the CFMEU administration, responsibility for appointing a replacement administrator lies with the General Manager of the Fair Work Commission. The general manager has publicly outlined a consultative process whereby he will seek the views of registered organisations, peak bodies and industry participants in making the appointment. No appointment has been made. Budget estimates is not a forum to compel private individuals for questioning; this is a longstanding practice. Should senators wish to bring forward lines of questioning regarding the CFMEU administration, the General Manager of the Fair Work Commission will be in attendance.

Sue Lines

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 509 standing in the name of Senator Kovacic be agreed to.