Bill to abolish the ABCC should be rejected by Parliament - AI Group

The Australian Industry Group CEO Heather Ridout has called on the Parliament to reject the government’s Bill to abolish the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner (ABCC). The ABCC is carrying out a vital role and is needed today as much as ever, she said, noting that those who comply with the law have nothing to fear from the ABCC and the existing legislation.

Last week, the Ai Group and the Australian Constructors Association lodged a joint submission to the Senate Committee inquiry into the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Amendment (Transition to Fair Work) Bill.

“The submission argues that damaging and unproductive industrial relations practices have been creeping back into the construction industry and a strong regulator needs to be maintained to ensure that industrial practices are lawful and appropriate.

“Unless a strong, well-resourced regulator and strong legislation is maintained, the risks associated with industrial lawlessness will again be priced into construction contracts, at great cost to project owners (including governments) and the Australian community,” Ridout said.