Building and Construction Industry (Restoring Integrity and Reducing Building Costs) Bill 2024

High-Level Summary

Re-establishes the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner.


Summary
The bill seeks to restore the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) with powers akin to those it held under the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Act 2005. It aims to counteract the perceived decline in industry standards following the abolition of the ABCC under the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill. The bill will reintroduce stringent penalties for unlawful actions, coercion, and industrial actions in the construction sector, aiming to improve productivity and reduce building costs. Specifically, it proposes to extend the geographical scope of the ABCC's powers, set standards via a Building Code, and enhance the oversight of work health and safety through the Federal Safety Commissioner. It also provides for the issuance of examination notices to gather information on potential contraventions and includes provisions for injunctions against unlawful industrial actions or pickets. The bill covers industrial relations, work health and safety, and compliance enforcement in the building industry.

Argument For
Normative Bases
  1. Hobbesianism
  2. Pro-Democracy

The bill seeks to restore order and legality in the building and construction industry, addressing rampant issues like unlawful strikes and coercion, which have negatively impacted productivity and project timelines [Judgment]. By reinstating the ABCC, the bill provides a mechanism for enforcing compliance and maintaining industry standards, thus ensuring a stable environment for economic activities [Judgment]. The establishment of a robust regulatory framework aligns with democratic values by holding industry participants accountable for their actions and promoting respect for the rule of law.


Argument Against
Normative Bases
  1. Non-Discrimination
  2. Egalitarianism

The re-establishment of the ABCC may disproportionately target unions and workers, potentially undermining their rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining [Judgment]. The bill's provisions could lead to an imbalance of power in favor of employers, restricting workers' ability to address grievances and advocate for better conditions. Furthermore, it may stifle legitimate industrial actions that are a fundamental aspect of democratic labor relations, thus risking increased conflict between employers and employees.


Date:

2024-08-19

Status:

Not Proceeding

Sponsor:

DUTTON, Peter, MP

Portfolio:

Unspecified

Categories:

Infrastructure, Labour, Criminal Law Reform, National Security

Timeline:
19/08/2024
28/03/2025

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