A Message from Surveyors Australia Regarding The CFMEUBelow is our message sent to Member Principals yesterday and our media release:
"Good Morning to our members and those in Victoria who have been significantly affected by Union tactics over the last 18 months.
Last night, 60 Minutes aired an investigative report into the bad behaviour of the CFMEU in Victoria. It was appalling to hear and see - though many of our Victorian members would not be surprised. You have heard me share the stories since March 2023 of the Union pushing surveyors off job sites, which is still happening today. I encourage you to watch the episode to better understand some background to what surveyors are battling in Victoria.
The Union have responded this morning;
And the ABC have reported that the Victorian Branch of the CFMEU has been placed in administration;
Our concern is that significant culture change is needed. We are not afraid to add our voice and concerns about the impacts of Union bad behaviour on the surveying profession. Contractors feel the pressure to act as the Union demands but it has put many of our members under significant duress and some businesses are closing as a result. Others who have felt forced to sign the EBAs are not receiving the promises and are continuing to pay the increased price - which only flows to consumers and the public. Marker/setters are not surveyors and yet the pressure is coming on survey firms to sign up marker/setters! We have raised concerns with the FairWork Ombudsman, whom I speak to monthly, and more recently the ACCC regarding competition practice. ACCI is currently holding a press conference and raising our concerns as our Peak body. Australia is still a free market and contractors should be able to engage the consultants of their choice.
Hopefully this story will bring light, justice and change to Union activities in Victoria and across Australia. That the construction sector will return to supporting workers and businesses. And perhaps we will see governments take action. We certainly do not endorse illegal behaviour, including taking payments for contracts.
Our Engineering Surveyors sub-committee will be meeting this week to continue our discussions on the need for standards and certification ahead of major discussions at the end of this month in New Zealand at our National Congress.
Surveyors Australia continues to advocate and provide support for all surveyors across the country and ensure that your businesses thrive"
READ AND DOWNLOAD OUR FULL MEDIA RELEASE HERE - 16th July 2024
'3AW Melbourne' Radio - 16th July 2024 - Listen Here
'The Today Show' - 17th July 2024 - Watch Here
Front Page - 'The Australian' Newspaper - 17th July 2024 - Read Here
Front Page - 'The Herald Sun' Newspaper - 17th July 2024 - Read Here
'4BC Brisbane' Radio - 17th July 2024 - Listen Here
'The Australian Financial Review' Newspaper - 18th July - Read Here
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