Master Builders acknowledge Senator David Pocock’s efforts to engage with the business community over this short time frame and work constructively to move amendments to assist business said Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn.
“The building and construction industry welcomes the proposed expansion of a carve-out for civil construction but concerns remain for various subcontractors within the sector including electricians, plumbers, and metal workers.
“Builders don’t operate in an economic silo and while many have been spared from multi-employer bargaining, they will still experience impacts from disruptions along the supply chain.
“If industries like shipping, transport, warehousing, and logistics are adversely impacted by multi-employer bargaining, then so will building and construction. You can’t build things if the products you need are caught up in a ports strike, can’t be delivered due to transport strikes, can’t be accessed due to logistics strikes, or can’t be obtained because of a manufacturing strike.
“It is disappointing there were no amendments agreed to around the abolition of the ABCC despite glaring observations made in the recent Senate inquiry around culture and unlawful conduct in the sector.
“Despite Senator Pocock’s best efforts, Master Builders continues to remain opposed to this legislation and urges the Senate to not rush this through and allow more time for adequate review,” Ms Wawn said.
