“Among the amendments being sought by Ai Group and ACA, is the removal of the provisions relating to the Independent Assessor. It is entirely inappropriate for the legislation to allow the compulsory examination powers of the Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate to be “switched off”.
"This would seriously undermine the effectiveness of the laws and is inconsistent with the recommendations of the Wilcox Review on the safeguards required,” Ridout said.
The President of the Australian Constructors Association, Wal King, said that without the amendments proposed by Ai Group and ACA there would be increased risks and costs.
“If the Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate proves to be ineffective, the risks associated with increased industrial disruption to projects will be substantially heightened.
"This would lead to a return to the old days, where such higher risks had to priced into construction contracts, leading to greatly increased costs for project owners (including Governments) and the Australian community,” King said.
The amendments to the Bill sought by Ai Group and ACA include:
- The “switch off” provisions relating to the compulsory examination powers of the Independent Assessor need to be deleted;
- The five year sunset provision applicable to the compulsory examination powers needs to be deleted and replaced with a review after five years;
- It is important that the existing higher penalties which apply to building industry participants for breaches of industrial law be retained; and
- The Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate needs to focus upon ensuring appropriate and lawful industrial behaviour and preventing unlawful industrial action, and not have its resources diverted to dealing with underpayment claims which are best addressed by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
