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Vote on ABCC bill delayed

THE Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) legislation has been referred to a senate committee inquiry, in what Minister for Employment Michaelia Cash has described as a ‘gratuitous delaying tactic’.

As reported in last Tuesday’s AREEA News Update, the Coalition had reintroduced the Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Bill 2013 to parliament in a second attempt to restore the industry regulator. However, on Thursday 4 February, Labor and the Greens gained support of crossbench senators to refer the bill to review by the Education and Employment Committee.

The move effectively delays a vote on the bill until after the committee’s 15 March reporting deadline. Due to the parliamentary sitting calendar, this leaves just a three-day window to resume debate and vote before the Federal Budget is handed down on 10 May.

Minister Cash said there is no ‘rational justification’ for the bill to be referred for another review, given that it had already been subject to two senate committee inquiries and considered by parliamentary committees since the last federal election.

“Senate committees play an important role in considering legislation; however the ABCC Bill is in exactly the same form as it was when it was last introduced in the Senate. As such, it is inexplicable as to what more could be gained by the Senate by subjecting it to yet another Committee process,” Minister Cash said.

“The longer the bill is delayed in a committee, the less time the senate will have to consider the bill and the various amendments that have already been foreshadowed.

“The Australian people are entitled to certainty as to whether the Bill to reintroduce the ABCC will be supported or rejected.”

AREEA executive director, policy and public affairs, Scott Barklamb said it was disappointing to see such critical legislation held up by cynical and opportunistic senate tactics.

“After multiple royal commissions and inquiries, it’s safe to say that the last thing Australia needs is yet another review to again confirm the need for a properly empowered industrial regulator to stamp out corruption and illegality,” Mr Barklamb said.

“Waste, corruption and lawbreaking in our construction industry harms Australia’s reputation as a place to invest and do business, and it ultimately reduces the infrastructure and amenities available to the Australian community.

“Current enforcement arrangements just aren’t up to the task of fully enforcing the rule of law in the construction industry, and the industry and wider community need the ABCC to be restored as soon as possible.”

AREEA will keep members informed of the progress and outcome of the senate inquiry, and any other regulatory changes in this area. For more information, please contact AREEA’s policy team on 1800 627 771.

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