Construction industry supports ABCC return

Key players in the construction industry say it supports the reinstatement of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC), which was abolished under the Gillard government in 2012.

The Australian Constructors Association (ACA), which represents the major construction companies operating across the country, added its support to the reintroduction of legislation to establish the industry watchdog with executive director Lindsay Le Compte saying it would send a clear message to industry that there is no room for those who operate outside the rule of law.

“The ACA believes that the report of the Heydon Royal Commission reconfirms the findings and conclusions of the Cole Royal Commission and previous inquiries that there is an ongoing need for a special regulatory regime to oversee the operation of the industry, and the legislation should be supported by all members of parliament in the interests of a sustainable industry into the future,” said Le Compte.

Master Builders Australia has also added its weight behind the government’s commitment to re-establish the powers of the ABCC by reintroducing the ABCC Bill.

“The Bill will help stamp out the ingrained and institutionalised culture of unlawfulness which was found by the Heydon Royal Commission to pervade the building unions,” said CEO Wilhelm Harnisch.

“The Bill will stop the endemic unlawful behaviour used by the nation’s building unions, particularly the CFMEU, from cheating the community.”

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has reportedly threatened to call a double dissolution if he faces more resistance from the crossbench in his efforts to re-establish the ABCC.

Calls to bring back the watchdog have gained momentum following findings from the Trade Union Royal Commission, which despite being criticised as a witch-hunt designed to damage Opposition leader Bill Shorten, has uncovered evidence of dishonest dealings within unions.

Harnisch said the Royal Commission “conclusively found a culture that creates an environment where corruption and criminality can flourish”.

“This and other union practices sees the cost of construction higher by up to 30%, cheating the community of more classrooms, hospital beds and childcare and aged-care places,” said Harnisch.

“The challenge for the parliament this time round is to stand up for the community and pass laws that can stamp out such behaviours.”