Shorten denies CFMEU calls the shots

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has defended Labor's relationship with the CFMEU and denies the construction union is calling the shots in the party.

"Where people breach industrial relations or civil laws, they should feel the consequences of that but when it comes to the matter of the union relationship with the Labor party, that's a long standing relationship," Mr Shorten told ABC TV on Thursday.

The opposition leader says Labor has zero tolerance for criminality but insists unions shouldn't be tarnished because of the actions of some individuals.