MEDIA RELEASE – DAMNING CFMEU REPORT DEMONSTRATES NEED FOR URGENT REINSTATEMENT OF THE ABCC

Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
Shadow Attorney General
Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
Senator for Western Australia

30 AUGUST 2024

DAMNING CFMEU REPORT DEMONSTRATES NEED FOR URGENT REINSTATEMENT OF THE ABCC

The Victorian Government’s interim report into the engagement between state government bodies, construction companies and construction unions shows that there is an urgent need to reinstate the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) at a national level to restore confidence in Australia’s construction sector.

The Review noted that one of the key issues was there was no central body where complaints could be made: “there is significant reluctance to make complaints from within the industry, both because of fear of reprisal and because people lack confidence that anything will be done. Even if people wish to make a complaint, they are not certain as to who they should make it to.”

Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Senator Michaelia Cash, said the interim report shows a construction industry watchdog is needed now more than ever.

“Today’s report shows that the CFMEU is running rampant in Victoria’s state government projects. Unfortunately, this is a problem which has spread across the nation because of the Albanese Government’s abolition of the ABCC.” Senator Cash said.

“The ABCC was abolished by the Albanese Government soon after they came to office because they wanted to give effective control of the construction sector in Australia to their friends and donors in the CFMEU.”

“This terrible decision has created an unprecedented disaster in the construction sector, including inflating infrastructure costs by 30% which is hitting all Australian taxpayers during the Albanese Government’s cost of living crisis.” Senator Cash said.

Senator Cash called on the Albanese Government to support the Coalition’s legislation before the Parliament which would bring back the ABCC.

“Bringing back the ABCC would be a very strong step in restoring law and order in the construction sector. Today’s report is another reminder of the Albanese Government’s catastrophic decision to abolish the ABCC but it also shows the need for Mr Albanese to support Peter Dutton’s Bill before Parliament as soon as possible.” Senator Cash said.

ENDS