Master Builders Australia has called for a return of a building and construction industry watchdog, following the release of statistics on recent industrial disputes.
Deputy CEO of the industry advocacy group Shaun Schmitke said Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed over the September quarter, 59 percent of total working days lost in the economy occurred in the building and construction industry.
Mr Schmitke said 27,500 working days were lost, which was more than triple the amount compared to the June quarter.
He said per 1000 employees, September saw 25.6 days lost, up from 7.9 in June, an increase of over 300 percent.
“Australia has not seen this level of industrial action in the industry since September 2012.
“It’s important to note that the data reflects only lawful and reported industrial action in the industry and does not factor in unlawful and intimidatory union conduct, which Master Builders members are advising is also on the rise.”
Mr Schmitke said the data supported the organisation’s recommendation that the Federal Government establish a Construction Industry Compliance & Corruption Agency, as a central body to oversee, investigate and enforce compliance with a range of special industry-specific rules, laws and obligations.
“In the middle of a housing and cost of living crisis, we need industry to be working at its peak.
“Long and unnecessary industrial disputes lead to higher costs and longer wait times for much-needed housing and supporting infrastructure.”
He said the building and construction industry needed an industry-specific regulator, starting with the removal of pattern bargaining, which holds businesses and clients hostage.
“Pattern bargaining gives the CFMEU unwarranted leverage and seriously puts at risk the viability of projects if the union’s pattern deal is not signed.”
