The Bill includes essential provisions which would:
- Re-establish the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) with its former powers;
- Provide for maximum civil penalties of $170,000 for those who break the law;
- Re-introduce former legislative provisions which were repealed in 2012 to address unlawful industrial action and coercion; and
- Outlaw organising and participating in unlawful pickets
Ai Group chief executive, Innes Willox, said: "Under the legislation which was repealed by the previous Federal Government, productivity in the construction industry improved and construction costs were lowered which led to more affordable infrastructure for the community.
"The community has a legitimate and direct interest in ensuring that construction costs are reasonable and that taxes are well spent, including on roads and other vital infrastructure. The community also has a direct interest in ensuring that the rule of law is upheld.
"We strongly support the Bill and urge Parliament to pass the Bill without delay," Willox said.
ACA executive director, Lindsay Le Compte, said the ACA was on record as supporting the legislation including the re-establishment of the ABCC.
"The ACA's view is that the legislation will significantly assist in maintaining stability within the industry. It would also improve public confidence in the ability of Australian businesses and workers to undertake construction work in a cost efficient and reliable manner, and support investment and jobs in infrastructure construction across the country," Le Compte said.
