Australia's first official truth-telling commission has reacted to reports Indigenous workers have not been given a fair go on government construction worksites, calling the accusations "concerning".
The CFMEU have received widespread criticism since a joint investigation by The Age, The Financial Review and 60 Minutes raised the alarm over allegations of criminal infiltration in the construction union, and on Wednesday the Federal Industrial Relations Minister Tony Burke announced an independent administrator will be appointed to take control of the union.
On Tuesday, the Yoorrook Justice Commission reacted strongly to reports that the government had failed to ensure fairness in the awarding and administration of contracts in the sector.
Yoorrook Commissioner and Deputy Chair Travis Lovett said the truth-telling body, which has the powers of a Royal Commission and can compel witnesses, encouraged impacted First Nations businesses and individuals to continue to come forward - even on a confidential basis - to "contribute to our ongoing inquiries, and inform necessary change in the sector".
"Increased participation in the Victorian economy is essential for Victorian First Peoples, if true Self-Determination is to be achieved," Mr Lovett said.
It comes after Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan acknowledged the government took too long to reply to a 2022 letter by an Indigenous labour-hire firm, which detailed allegations of union officials threatening violence and banning non-aligned firms from both state and federally funded projects.
Ms Allan told reporters on Wednesday the corruption watchdog and the Victorian police were investigating the allegations after receiving a referral from her officer over claims organised crime figures in Victoria, as well as bikies, had infiltrated the union.
"I believe those agencies have the tools and powers and resources to appropriately investigate these allegations," she said.
"Yoorrook has been established as an independent agency, so I don't want to cut across the work they are doing."
Minister Bourke also asked the Fair Work Ombudsman to review all enterprise agreements made by the Victorian branch of the construction division of the CFMEU that apply to any Victorian "Big Build" projects.
CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith said: "External administration and further interference of the government isn't necessary".
Mr SMith told the ABC the union was "more than capable of dealing with allegations in our own ranks, in responding appropriately".
Yoorrook has been holding truth-telling hearings, which have seen ministers, public servants, and the premier front the inquiry to document the real history of Victoria since colonisation.
The Commission said it had been contacted by "a number of First Peoples suppliers, organisations and individuals" in recent days, wishing to share their experiences, "including of alleged misconduct and exploitation within the sector".
Yoorrook said they would welcome further submission to inform an assessment of any government failings in providing fair opportunities to First Peoples' businesses "to participate in large procurement processes," and any necessary reforms to "enforce oversight and integrity and encourage increased First Nations economic participation".
All five of the commissioners have at times throughout the hearings expressed dismay at the lack of care provided to First Nations people in advancing their economic sovereignty.
While many of the ministers have expressed a need for change and apologised for historical failures by the state, there is acknowledgement that issues go beyond a ministerial level and impact all levels of government.
