CFMEU: ABCC abolished

The Senate has passed legislation to abolish the construction industry watchdog set up by the Howard government.

The Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) will be replaced by a Building Industry Inspectorate.

CFMEU National Secretary Michael O’Connor said the ABCC was the last vestige of Work Choices, and its abolition was long overdue.

“This is a great step forward for construction workers, and for any Australian who cares about workers’ rights.”

 “We are still concerned that some of the ABCC’s coercive powers will be transferred to the new Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate, which will be the new regulator for the construction industry.

 “The new inspectorate must avoid the ideological anti-union bias of the ABCC and be an even-handed regulator which does not abuse its powers,” Mr O’Connor said.

The Senate passed the legislation this evening with Labor and Greens Senators voting in favour of workers’ rights and the Coalition voting in support of the ABCC.

“After seven years this flawed and damaging organisation, and its war on construction workers, is over,” Mr O’Connor said.

“The ABCC was set up by the Howard Government as part of an ideological attack on unions and their members. It has been a waste of money, serving only to try and intimidate union members who stand up for decent wages and safety in construction.

“It has failed to tackle safety issues or illegal conduct by employers, including the widespread use of sham contracting which cost the taxpayer billions each year.

“Labor had a clear mandate to end the ABCC, having promised to do so at the 2007 and 2010 elections, and we welcome the final passage of this legislation.

 “Last year’s admission by the ABCC that it had illegally interrogated 203 Australians shows it had routinely overstepped its already draconian powers.

 “Earlier this year the ABCC was forced to call an investigation into the failed prosecution of Victorian CFMEU officials John Setka and Matt Hudson. ABCC investigators admitted to having lost or destroyed evidence including audio recordings, and changed their own statements to the court.”