CFMEU, directors fined for breach of right of entry laws

The Construction, Forestry, and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) and three of its officials have been penalised for breaching right of entry laws.

The Federal Circuit and Family Court penalised CFMEU with $113,886, according to the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO).

Three of the directors penalised include Dean Rielly ($15,000), Matthew Vonhoff ($3,750), and Margues Pare ($2,550).

Acting Fair Work Ombudsman Michael Campbell said the penalties were important to affirm the severity of breaching right of entry laws.

Unlawful conduct committed

The penalties come after the three officials admitted in court that they breached the right of entry laws in the Fair Work Act in October 2021.

They failed to sign the visitor register at the Yatala South Interchange upgrade project while seeking to exercise entry rights as a permit holder, despite being asked by the occupier, according to the FWO.

The Australian Building and Construction Commissioner launched legal action against the directors' unlawful conduct, with the responsibility for the case later transferred to the FWO in December 2022.

Last month, the CFMEU and one of its directors were also fined with nearly $45,000 for similar right of entry law breach.

"Improving compliance across the building and construction industry is a priority for the Fair Work Ombudsman, and we will investigate reports of non-compliance and hold to account those who act outside the law," Campbell said in a statement.