Mallia named as construction union head

The construction union has named its NSW state president Rita Mallia as acting replacement for state secretary Brian Parker, who stood aside this week.

Mr Parker said he is stepping aside to deal with issues arising from the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption.

He is due to appear before the commission in Sydney on Friday.

Mr Parker was questioned before the commission in October about matters including a recorded phone call in which he made threats about a colleague who had raised questions about links between the union and labour hire companies associated with underworld figure George Alex.

The CFMEU issued a statement on Thursday saying its NSW branch committee of management had appointed Ms Mallia to act in Mr Parker's absence.