Builder's Labourers Federation
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| Full name | Builders Labourers Federation Queensland |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1910 |
| Affiliation | ALP |
| Key people | David Hanna (State Secretary), Kane Pearson (State Assistant Secretary). |
| Country | Australia |
The Builders Labourers Federation (BLF) is an Australian trade union organisation which existed from 1911 until 1972, and from 1976 until 1986, when it was permanently deregistered in various Australian States by the federal Labor government and some state governments of the time. This occurred in the wake of a Royal Commission into corruption by the Union. About the same time, BLF Federal Secretary Norm Gallagher was jailed for corrupt dealings after receiving bribes from building companies which he used to build a beach house
The BLF fought successful campaigns which became known as the green bans against development projects which it viewed as harmful to the built and natural environment of Sydney. These campaigns included blocking plans to redevelop The Rocks area, Kelly's Bush in Hunters Hill and Centennial Park. The Green Bans are now commonly recognised as directly responsible for saving areas of Sydney with substantial heritage value. Victoria Hall in Fremantle, Western Australia was also saved from demolition by a green ban, in 1974.
They also took up other causes, such as Aboriginal rights, anti-war campaigns and support for pensioners. The BLF had a long-standing programme on Radio 3CR, 'The Concrete Gang', which is now presented by the CFMEU. One of the original announcers for the BLF was John Cummins.
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