ABCC restored to ‘rid industry of toxic practices’

The move will bring back industry specific penalties and sanctions to the construction industry, which the HIA said will “benefit all business and workers”.

HIA managing director Shane Goodwin commented: “As one of the triggers for July’s double dissolution election, the passing of the legislation and the reinstatement of the ABCC is an important achievement for both the construction industry and the economy as a whole.”

Mr Goodwin remarked that the abolishment of the ABCC four years ago was detrimental to “almost everyone” in the building industry.

“For too long the commercial building industry has been bridled by systemic industrial lawlessness, coercion, intimidation and flagrant misconduct. This has been well catalogued by two royal commissions in the past 15 years and numerous other inquiries,” Mr Goodwin said.

“The restoration of the ABCC is important in restarting the process of ridding the industry of toxic, outdated industrial practices.”

Mr Goodwin added that he believes increased productivity on building sites and lower costs in the construction of “crucial public and commercial infrastructure” is in the interests of all Australians.

[Related: Construction slump could trigger spike in unemployment]