“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) commends the bipartisan support shown by both major parties, that has enabled the passage of the CFMEU Administration legislation,” HIA managing director, Jocelyn Martin said today.

HIA members seeking to undertake commercial, multi-unit or government funded work have cited concerns over many years regarding intimidation by the CFMEU and the influence they have on building sites regarding workplace conditions and jobs.

“HIA had called on the governments to act in accordance with the seriousness and gravity of the situation and use the full extent of their legal powers to address these long standing issues," Ms Martin said.
 
“The passage of this legislation provides an important reset in creating cultural change in the industry and sending a clear message that the past conduct and behaviour of the CFMEU is not appropriate and has no place going forward.
 
“There must be zero tolerance for flouting the rule of law on or off construction sites and the appointment of an independent administrator to oversee the CFMEU’s operations is a good first step, but structural change and long term reform is needed to address these issues once and for all,” Ms Martin said.

www.hia.com.au

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THE Australian Constructors Association (ACA) welcomes agreement between the Federal Government and Opposition on the CFMEU Bill, allowing it to be passed into law.

ACA CEO Jon Davies said agreement on the legislation is a welcome first step forward for the industry after the revelations of the last few weeks. 

“Law-abiding unions have an important role to play in the construction industry and the sooner the administrator is able to address all allegations of criminal and coercive behaviour within the CFMEU, the better,” Mr Davies said.

“The ACA is committed to working closely with the administrator to ensure the bill is effectively implemented, but this is only a necessary first step.

“There will be significant work required by the government, industry, clients, the administrator and the unions to make these new arrangements work and to prevent this situation happening again," Mr Davies said.

“We shouldn’t be looking at this simply as a problem that needs to be fixed but rather an opportunity that must be realised.

“This is an opportunity to create an industry that is able to construct the infrastructure Australia needs, when it needs it and for a price it can afford.”

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THE National Redress Scheme Parliamentary Committee will hold a public hearing tomorrow for an inquiry into the National Redress Scheme to hear from the Department of Social Services.

At a public hearing on August 2, the committee heard evidence from survivors who recalled their experiences seeking redress. This evidence has prompted the committee to invite the Department of Social Services to a public hearing to hear their views.

Committee Chair Senator Catryna Bilyk said, "We greatly appreciate the bravery and courage shown by survivors who came forward to tell their stories. We are progressing towards completing the inquiry.

"If you have been thinking of making a submission, you should send it to us soon. You can ask the committee to keep your evidence and your name confidential."

Submissions to the inquiry close on September 2 and the committee is expecting to report in October 2024.

To make a submission or find out more, email the Committee Secretariat at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or check the Committee’s webpage. A discussion paper aims to provide guidance to individuals and organisations interested in making submissions to the inquiry. 

Full details of what the inquiry is examining can be found in the terms of reference on the committee’s website. An easy English guide is also available.

Public hearing details

Wednesday 21 August 2024
8am to around 9am (Canberra time)
Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra

Listen online at www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Parliament then click on a link marked ‘live streaming’ or visit https://www.youtube.com/@AUSParliamentLive>.

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TODAY the Senate has taken the critical first step of cleaning up the CFMEU with the passage of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Amendment (Administration) Bill 2024.

Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said the building and construction industry is finally on the road to meaningful cultural change.

“The industry has been at a standstill with a great cloud of uncertainty on the current operating environment and the future of the CFMEU," Ms Wawn said.

“We thank the Government and Coalition for working in a bipartisan way to reach an agreement on a series of amendments while not delaying the Bill’s passage beyond this sitting period.

“Our members are intimately familiar with the ingrained culture of lawlessness and thuggery that has plagued the sector for decades.

“We continue to call for increased protections for businesses so they can come forward and provide evidence to the Fair Work Commission without fear of CFMEU retaliation," she said.

“Permanent and lasting change requires long-term regulatory reform. The Federal Government must now move to establish a dedicated building and construction industry watchdog with real teeth.

“Countless Royal Commissions and inquiries have told us that building and construction needs an industry-specific regulator and laws.

“If we don’t learn from history, we will be doomed to repeat it," Ms Wawn said.

“The regulator needs to be home to a dedicated cross-jurisdictional police unit to oversee and coordinate a strong law enforcement presence in the building and construction industry.

“To get it right, it must go further than industrial relations and have oversight on a broader range of matters, including workplace, safety, competition, corporations, governance and training.

“Australians expect a thriving and safe building and construction industry to deliver the roads, hospitals, schools and most importantly housing that they are crying out for.

“Master Builders will continue to work collaboratively with both the Government and Opposition to achieve a strong, safe, and prosperous sector,” Ms Wawn said.

www.masterbuilders.com.au

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