Independent administrator to overhaul 'abhorrent' CFMEU

Following reports of criminal misconduct and bikie links within the union's construction arm, a court application will be made by the Fair Work Commission to nominate an independent administrator to the CFMEU.

Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke says the government won't stand in the way.

"The number one job of any union is to look after its members ... the reported behavior for the construction division of the CFMEU is the exact opposite of that obligation," Mr Burke told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday.

"It's abhorrent, it's intolerable.

"There can be no place for criminality or corruption in any part of the construction industry."

A Labor government took similar action in 2012 when the Health Services Union was embroiled in controversy over fraud and theft charges.

The CFMEU's national office has already placed its Victorian and South Australian branches into administration and launched its own investigation, but concerns have been raised over its independence.

It comes as NSW Premier Chris Minns asked the state's Labor general secretary to suspend its affiliation with the CFMEU following corruption claims.

The Fair Work Commission's general manager Murray Furlong said his organisation was undertaking careful analysis of the allegations.

"I am deeply concerned about the alleged conduct and commentary that organised crime has infiltrated several state branches of the Division, including that it appears to be embedded and ongoing," he said in a statement.

"I have already initiated a wide range of operational activities, including seeking advice on making an application to the Federal Court.

"I have also commenced sharing information with other regulatory and law enforcement authorities and requesting evidence about alleged contraventions from a wide variety of participants in the building and construction industry."

Australian Associated Press