Dutton proposes U.S.-style laws against CFMEU corruption

Peter Dutton, the leader of the Australian opposition, has proposed using American-style anti-mafia laws to target the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU). He claims the CFMEU operates like a "modern-day mafia" and asserts that existing efforts to address corruption within the union have failed. Dutton's proposal follows recent accusations of misconduct, including incidents of violence and crime linked to union activities in Victoria. He argues that the culture of corruption is deeply rooted in the CFMEU and that his party would introduce national laws similar to the US Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) if he becomes prime minister. The RICO Act has been used in the United States to prosecute organized crime, particularly in labor unions. It sets out a legal framework to identify "criminal enterprises" and requires evidence of ongoing racketeering activities. However, experts say simply copying RICO may not work in Australia. Current laws focus more on the identities of criminals rather than the criminal behavior of organizations. For Dutton's plan to be effective, any new legislation would need to be tailored to Australia's unique legal landscape. There are significant challenges in creating uniform laws across the country due to its federal system. Nevertheless, creating a federal law defining criminal enterprises could strengthen efforts to combat organized crime and corruption. While the idea of adapting anti-mafia laws has potential, Dutton would need to focus on Australian-specific legislation rather than replicating American laws outright. This new approach could help address corruption not only within the CFMEU but also among other organized crime groups operating in the country.