Construction industry needs a "tough cop", MEA says

The Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) is the “tough cop” the construction industry needs to fight organised crime, Master Electricians Australia (MEA) says. MEA has urged the Senate not to obstruct the Abbott Government’s attempts to reinstate the ABCC.

MEA Workplace Relations Manager Jason O’Dwyer said the federal government had been elected with a clear mandate to reinstate the ABCC, and recent media allegations of industry extortion underlined the need for the ABCC’s return.

“More than any other, the building industry is vulnerable to standover tactics and outright corruption, due to the value of the projects and the critical need to keep them on time,” O’Dwyer said.

“We have seen in the past that this can lead to a climate of corruption and criminality and, sadly, the recent revelations by ABC Television and Fairfax Media indicate that we have seen a return to these bad old days since the ABCC was abolished by the previous government.

“MEA commends efforts by a range of governments - notably the Queensland Government - to combat the infiltration of organised crime into the construction industry. These efforts to prevent criminal elements from gaining trades licences in the building industry are a step in the right direction.

“However, we believe this is an issue that must be tackled at the national level in order to achieve widespread and long-lasting success.

“The best solution is a standing commission with genuine power to investigate and stamp out corruption and criminality in the building industry. This is what the federal government promised prior to last year’s election, and it is what the Australian people supported at the ballot box.

“MEA calls on the Opposition and minor parties in the Senate to move out of the way and allow the government to honour its commitment to cleaning up the building industry.”