Bill to dissolve the ABCC causes backlash
The recent decision by the Gillard government to disband the Australian Building & Construction Commission (ABCC) has not been well received by a few significant Australian bodies.
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) condemned the action as a major setback for the building and construction industry.
HIA industrial relations spokesman David Humphrey expressed deep concern over the last-minute bill amendments that require the new Building Inspectorate "drop proceedings against a party where the accused has reached a 'settlement' with the party that it is alleged to have committed an offence against."
Attorney-general and Victorian minister for finance Robert Clark shared similar sentiments today (February 22 2012), stating that the bill awards legal immunity to unions or groups that may bully an employer to drop any legal claims against it.
When it comes to building on commercial or residential property, there are many problems that could arise. Taking away a right for legal action may be dangerous for industry standards.
Mr Clark said: "This is not only a capitulation to militant building unions; it is a complete abandonment of principle."
