The CFMEU’s days may be numbered, as the government nears an agreement to neuter the embattled construction union.

Following allegations of corruption and criminal links within parts of the CFMEU, the federal government has vowed to finally deal with a union that has been embroiled in controversy for years.

On Monday, it introduced a bill that would give the minister power to appoint an external administrator to take over the union’s construction division and branches.

The legislation has faced delays, with the Liberals calling for tougher action and the Greens questioning some provisions, but Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt says talks are progressing.

“Today is D-Day for passing this bill,” Senator Watt told ABC Radio on Thursday.

“We do feel that we’re close to a deal with the coalition … I have been in discussions with the Greens and I would certainly hope that they can get on board.”

The opposition is calling for a minimum three-year administration period, rather than the maximum of three years outlined in the bill.

But the allegations levelled at the union’s branches vary in severity and Senator Watt says they must be treated separately.

“If we make every single branch stay in for three years, that will divert resources away from the problem areas,” he said.

“Administration is a costly exercise.

“We want to make sure that those resources are focused on where the biggest need is.”

Opposition workplace spokeswoman Michaelia Cash said the bill should include provisions that would allow the independent administrator to be publicly examined.

Watt said he was open to some form of public reporting, but warned the coalition’s calls could put the administrator’s independence at risk.

“That will result in him becoming a political football,” he said.

“The whole point of appointing an administrator to the construction division is to have an independent person get in there, have a look at what is going on and reform the joint.”

Labor has severed ties with the union and will no longer accept political donations or affiliation fees from the troubled construction arm.

-AAP