Coroner & Legal
State of the Unions: Construction union snubs ALP. Harkins takes the reigns
Construction union snubs ALP
A construction union has turned its back on Tasmania’s Labor Party.
The union is unhappy with the State Government’s handling of an ancient Aboriginal site in the path of the Brighton bypass and the treatment of the former Children’s Commissioner.
The construction division of the CFMEU has chosen not to renew its affiliation agreement with the party.
The union has written to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre pledging its support for moving the proposed site of a bridge over the Jordan River levee.
Assistant Secretary Bill White says the union is also not impressed with the Government’s handling of the contract of former Children’s Commissioner Paul Mason.
“We’d like to know a little bit more about that, the real reasons his contract wasn’t renewed.”
The ALP’s State Secretary, John Dowling, says the party is not fussed by the union’s decision.
Meanwhile,
Harkins takes helm at Unions Tas
A controversial union boss has taken over the reins of Unions Tasmania but denies it is a step towards a political career.
Kevin Harkins came to national attention last year when his bid for Labor pre-selection was scotched by the then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
Mr Rudd also referred to him as a pugilist, a remark Mr Harkins later said caused great damage to his reputation.
Yesterday, Mr Harkins won a ballot for the position of secretary of Unions Tasmania by just one vote over rival Susan Wallace.
He says he still believes Mr Rudd got it wrong but he is putting that behind him to focus on his new job.