Some might argue that calling for corporations to face the same scrutiny as the CFMEU is mere “whataboutism,” defending alleged union corruption. This topic arises follows claims of corruption and intimidation, as reported by Nine journalists. The union has been placed under administration for three years, and many officials have been dismissed due to legislation passed with Coalition support, though legal challenges may follow.
Some argue that this situation highlights a double standard. For example, why didn't the government threaten similar action against PwC when it was revealed that they leaked confidential tax information for profit?
RMIT Professor Anthony Forsyth acknowledges this double standard in the treatment of corporations versus unions but insists that the legislation was necessary due to the CFMEU's likely resistance to a court-appointed administrator. Meanwhile, Lydia Shelly from the NSW Council for Civil Liberties criticises the inconsistency in addressing corporate wrongdoing.
Lydia Shelly, President of the NSW Council for Civil Liberties, told Crikey that many Australians “will no doubt understand just how different some of the treatment of corporate wrongdoing is, in comparison to what’s alleged to have been seen by some of the unions.”
Shelly remarked, “We haven’t seen anything like it in Australia,” referring to the legislation, which the council believes “threatens the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness.”
She argued that “in order to maintain any shred of legitimacy that the Australian government, including the state governments, have with the public … they must be consistent, and that consistency must extend to investigating their own wrongdoing, not just the wrongdoing that is alleged to have occurred in the corporate world.”
Shelly further emphasised, “If the government is serious about looking into wrongdoing … they’re in a position to look at their own wrongdoing,” pointing specifically to the lack of urgency with which governments have addressed issues like robodebt and veteran suicides.
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