The CFMEU may have reversed its opposition to mandatory drug testing on construction sites, following an engaging meeting with Senator Jacqui Lambie.

Ms Lambie reportedly sought a meeting with CFMEU Victorian secretary John Setka to work out whether she supported the reintroduction of the Australian Building and Construction Commission.

The outspoken independent senator was concerned that the return of the construction industry watchdog would see it reformed as a “star chamber’’, used to trample on people’s civil rights.

But the senator was reportedly “disturbed’’ after meetings Boral executives; the company targeted in a series of blockades by the CFMEU.

Following meetings with the union, insiders say Senator Lambie has hinted that she would support the extension of the powers of the Fair Work Building and Construction inspectorate to compel testimony from witnesses.

There are also rumours that Senator Lambie will accept the CFMEU’s desire to allow drug testing of workers, conducted under its own supervision.

If true, it would appear that this is the deal struck in return for her vote against a tougher regime.

The Federal Government needs crossbench support to bring back the construction industry watchdog.

The Coalition in Victoria has previously claimed that the CFMEU adds hundreds of millions of dollars to construction costs, using strike action and go-slows as weapons on building site battlegrounds.

The Royal Commission on Trade Union Governance and Corruption interim report found evidence of a “pervasive and unhealthy culture’’ at the CFMEU, an accused officials of lying and conducting their affairs with “deliberate disregard for the law’’.