'Tell the truth': CFMEU members protest High Court decision

June 20, 2025
Issue 
CFMEU members rally outside the union's Bowen Hills office to protest the High Court decision
CFMEU members rally outside the union's Bowen Hills office to protest the High Court decision, June 20. Photo: Jonathan Strauss

“Tell the truth” was the message from thousands of Construction Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) members, who stopped work and rallied outside the union’s Queensland branch office, on June 20, for a second consecutive day.

The action followed the High Court decision on June 18 which went against union members controlling their union. The court rejected the union members’ case that Labor’s imposed administration of the CFMEU unconstitutionally breached their free speech (association) rights.

Instead, it found in favour of federal Labor’s laws which imposed external administrators.

For a union to be effective, it needs to be democratic and there be a structure of solidarity. CFMEU members are showing these qualities by opposing Labor's draconian Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Amendment (Administration) Bill 2024, which the Australian Council of Trade Unions supported, and which allowed for an undemocratic federal government takeover of their union.

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Protesting outside the CFMEU office, June 20
Protesting outside the CFMEU office, June 20. Photo: Jonathan Strauss

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More from the CFMEU members protest
More from the CFMEU members protest. Photo: Jonathan Strauss

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CFMEU members protest, June 20
CFMEU members protest, June 20. Photo: Kamala Emanuel

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CFMEU members protest, June 20
CFMEU members protest, June 20. Photo: Kamala Emanuel

 

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