The Australian Industry (AI) Group has called the federal Labor government’s decision to roll back the building code to its bare minimum and strip back the powers of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) a “backward step” for the industry.
Innes Willox, the AI Group’s chief executive, said the announcement is of great concern to businesses and the broader community.
“It is a backwards step for the fight against bullying and intimidation and will add costs and delays to vital community infrastructures such as roads, hospitals and schools,” Willox said on July 25.
“The Building Code and the ABCC are playing a critical role in addressing bullying and intimidation by union officials on building sites. There are major skill and labour shortages in the construction industry, and it is, of course, difficult to attract people into the industry, including women and young people, without a respectful work environment.”…