Plans to abolish the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) would have a negative effect on the Australian property industry by allowing too much power to union bosses, according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
HIA industrial spokesman David Humphrey said the senate should attempt to block the bill given the positive work the industry body has done in clamping down on union corruption.
"The proposed new legislation will not deliver the strong, independent and robust enforcement body that the building industry requires," added Mr Humphreys.
He added that the possibility of out-of-court settlements for industrial disputes left the door open to corruption and intimidation in the Australian construction sector.
Master Builders' Australia (MBA) has also been highly critical of the proposed bill, arguing that it could stifle economic growth by leading to slowdowns throughout the building industry.
Wilhelm Harnisch, MBA chief executive officer, said the new proposals could end up by "reinforcing the very behaviour the law is designed to combat".
Posted by Steve Douglas
