Parliament must pass ABCC Bill to boost productivity and confidence in Victoria’s construction industry

VICTORIAN Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Mark Stone said the Parliament of Australia must pass legislation to restore the Office of the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner (ABCC) to improve productivity, drive investment and restore confidence in Victoria’s building and construction industry.

"Victoria’s small, medium and large building and construction businesses need this independent regulator to ensure their growth is not hampered by unlawful behaviour," Mr Stone said.

"Unlawful industrial action can cost Victoria through lost productivity and reduced employment prospects, and damage our international reputation as a place to do business.

"We need a framework that ensures Victorians get the infrastructure and construction projects they need in the most cost-effective and safe way, that builds business confidence in Victoria as a solid and predictable investment choice," Mr Stone said.

"The restoration of the ABCC is in-keeping with the recommendations in our submission to the Productivity Commission’s review of Australia’s workplace relations framework and the united chamber movement’s 2013 election agenda.

"The Coalition Government was elected with a policy to restore the ABCC and we urge the Parliament of Australia to pass this vital legislation in a timely manner."

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, established in 1851, is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

victorianchamber.com.au

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