Royal Commission findings reinforce need for ABCC return

The findings of the final report of the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption reinforce the need for the re-establishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC), according to Suresh Manickam, CEO of the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).

Commissioner Dyson Heydon AC QC’s six-volume report allegedly found the labour movement contained “widespread” and “deep seated” misconduct within its ranks, refers 45 individuals for possible criminal charges or civil action and makes 79 key recommendations to the government for legislative reform across a range of Parliamentary Acts.

Prime Minister Turnbull and Minister for Employment, Senator Michaelia Cash have indicated that many of the recommendations would be adopted in future legislation, calling on the Senate not to block reform.

“NECA notes Recommendation 3 of the commission’s key findings that calls for the establishment of an independent, stand-alone regulator to monitor unlawful activity, as well as the government’s commitment to the re-establishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission to oversee workplace relations across the sector,” said Manickam.

“In light of the recommendations outlined by the Royal Commission, we urge the Senate to support workplace relations reform by reinstating the ABCC. We believe that the ABCC will be a positive catalyst for change in the building and construction sector.”

Manickam said the ABCC will ensure greater levels of transparency, encourage lawful activity through harsher penalties and reduce corrupt activities.

“Such a positive influence will then surely result in the ability for industry to deliver key infrastructure projects coupled with greater economic productivity,” he said.

“It goes without saying that greater levels of transparency and productivity will flow through to greater levels of employment. Given the view of the commissioner, that the behaviour uncovered by the Royal Commission was not simply “isolated” or the work of a few “rogue officials”, it’s clear that without reform, the present unacceptable behaviour will continue.”

In August 2015, NECA joined with a range of industry bodies across the building and construction sector in calling on the Senate to pass the Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Bill 2013.

Manickam said NECA’s position remains unchanged and again has encouraged the Senate to embrace and pass key reforms that will provide certainty for businesses within this sector.