Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia, expressed support for reviving the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) with enhanced regulatory powers. She emphasized the need for a stronger regulator to prevent incidents like those involving the CFMEU from occurring again. Wawn highlighted the importance of addressing criminal and anti-competitive behavior in the industry.
She referenced the findings of four Royal Commissions that recommended a specialized regulator with increased authority. Wawn suggested that a balance between the government and the Coalition’s perspectives on regulation is necessary to ensure the industry has the appropriate oversight.
Labor’s legislation, which mandates a minimum three-year administration period for construction union branches and imposes a lifetime ban on criminal officials, received opposition support after initial Senate delays. The law grants the minister the ability to place union divisions under administration for up to five years based on the administrator’s recommendation.
Wawn also discussed union membership rates in the building sector, noting that they align with those in the broader private sector. She underscored the importance of all organizations, whether unions or employer associations, complying with the law and representing their members effectively for the industry’s benefit.
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