Shorten denies CFMEU calls the shots

Labor leader Bill Shorten has defended the party's relationship with the construction union and denies it is calling the shots.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has questioned budget cuts at a time when the economy is slowing. (AAP) Source: AAP

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.