Joint police taskforce formed to target union corruption in Victoria

A joint federal and Victorian police taskforce has been established to crack down on widespread union corruption, violence and organised crime connections inside the construction industry.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Liberal Premier Denis Napthine announced the taskforce on Friday morning in Melbourne.

Mr Abbott said it would "firmly, decisively and swiftly" deal with widespread corruption in the building sector.

The move has been prompted by evidence given to the Royal Commission into trade union corruption.

Victorian Police intelligence indicates trade union officials were directly involved in criminal activity, along with organised crime figures working on behalf of unions.

Mr Abbott said Victoria was the first state to get a taskforce - but it won't be the last.

"Victoria most swiftly agreed with the Commonwealth to set up a joint police taskforce but we are in negotiations with all the states," he said.

He hopes to make further announcements within weeks, or possibly days.

The prime minister also hopes the taskforce will attract bipartisan support given Opposition Leader Bill Shorten called for one earlier this year.

Mr Abbott said the taskforce will be funded by the Commonwealth out of the Royal Commission budget and will involve about 30 officers.

Mr Napthine said the announcement was being made in the interests of the law, not to get his government re-elected next month.

"This is an announcement about stamping out corruption, stamping out illegal behaviour in the building and construction industry," he said.

Nonetheless, Mr Napthine called on Victorian Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews to not only support the taskforce but to instruct unions like the CFMEU and ACTU to fully co-operate.