Master Builders Australia, the peak body for the building and construction industry, has backed an inquiry into the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) replacement, saying the move is a positive sign that the Government is committed to maintaining a tough cop on the beat in the building and construction industry.
Master Builders Australia, the peak body for the building and construction industry, has backed an inquiry into the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) replacement, saying the move is a positive sign that the Government is committed to maintaining a tough cop on the beat in the building and construction industry.
Industrial Relations Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard today announced that Justice Murray Wilcox will head the inquiry to examine the options for a new inspectorate for the building and construction industry and the laws it will uphold. The new legislation and inspectorate will replace the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) in 2010.
Ms Gillard recently committed to retaining the current system and the existing laws until 1 February 2010, when the handover to the new system will take place.
"The Wilcox review is the sign the industry has been waiting for - that beyond 2010 we will be able to continue to operate productively and without fear of a return to a culture of bullying and intimidation," said Wilhelm Harnisch, CEO of Master Builders Australia.
"We have had nothing but support for the ABCC and the laws that it upholds, as it has delivered unprecedented industrial peace and productivity to our industry.
"The forward looking nature of the Wilcox Inquiry is seen by Master Builders as a clear vote of confidence in the effectiveness of the ABCC," said Mr Harnisch.
"Ms Gillard has today reaffirmed a commitment to maintaining industrial peace and maintaining a culture of lawful behaviour in the building and construction industry, saying that the Government has ‘no tolerance for behaviour that breaks the law'.
"Master Builders will be working with Justice Wilcox and the Minister to ensure that the new inspectorate and the underpinning legislation beyond 2010 will be equipped with the same tough powers of compliance and policing that the ABCC currently has," said Mr Harnisch.
"Any weakening of the watchdog's powers will put the Government's pledge to deliver on massive, vital social and economic infrastructure projects in jeopardy.
"The review announced today is the first step in an 18 month consultation process and preparation of draft legislation. This is necessary to ensure that all key stakeholders, employers and employees have appropriate input into and confidence in the new inspectorate when it is introduced," said Mr Harnisch.
[sourced from ProjectLink Australia: http://www.projectlink.com.au/news/1464.html]
