"The release of this paper is the next important step in retaining tough cop on the beat in Australia's building and construction industry beyond 2010," said Wilhelm Harnisch, CEO of Master Builders Australia.
"Having a strong industrial relations watchdog in the building and construction sector is critical to the economy and the Australian people, and is therefore a major public policy matter for the Government.
"It is imperative that the unprecedented industrial harmony that has been delivered by the ABCC continues, to safeguard the future delivery of vital social and economic infrastructure projects, like schools, ports, roads and transport," said Harnisch.
"We will be closely examining the propositions in the Wilcox Discussion Paper and will compile a comprehensive submission strongly in support of maintaining a strong cop on the beat under the Specialist Division of the new agency Fair Work Australia."
In its submission in response to the Discussion Paper, Master Builders will reinforce the fact that the ABCC does not have an inbuilt bias towards employees or unions. It will also contest Justice Wilcox's proposition that the ABCC legislation treats building workers more harshly than people in other industries.
"The unions have actively been running a campaign for almost a year which would have the public believe that the ABCC discriminates against the unions and union representatives," said Harnisch.
"Under the Act, the ABCC only targets unlawful behaviour regardless of whether this is by an employer or employee.
"The significant benefits to the Australian economy that the ABCC has delivered in terms of productivity and industrial harmony can not be underestimated or allowed to be diminished," said Harnisch.
"It is vital, especially in the current climate, that the delivery of the Government's Infrastructure Australia plans is done in the most efficient way possible, and that productivity is protected and enhanced by lawful behaviour."
