Modern Right Of Entry Rules Must Be Fair And Rigorous To Stop Bullying On Construction Sites

The Government’s focus on modernising right of entry rules is a positive opportunity to ensure the existing system is fair and rigorous.

Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia said, “It is important to ensure workers have access to representation but equally crucial that the system is strong and capable of preventing abuse and bullying behaviour.”

The Building and construction industry is plagued by a history of unions breaching ROE rules. Since 2015 alone, courts have found that there have been breaches of ROE rules in construction:

  • By 58 individual CFMEU officials.
  • At least 189 times.
  • Resulting in penalties of almost $3 million (with three further penalty hearings already set for 2019).

“Master Builders is particularly pleased that Government has heard the voice of building industry small business and sub-contractors who have been asking for or changes to entry permits that better allow the identification of officials and any permit conditions,” Denita Wawn said.

“Master Builders looks forward to positive consultation with Government about the proposed changes,” Denita Wawn said.

/Public Release.