The return of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) is an early Christmas present for electrical contractors, according to peak industry body Master Electricians Australia.

Earlier today, the Senate voted to reinstate the industry watchdog that was abolished by the Gillard Labor Government in 2012.

MEA Manager of Advisory Services Jason O’Dwyer said that this was welcome news to electrical contractors throughout Australia.

“This is an early Christmas present for electrical contractors right across Australia, who have been at the mercy of militant unions such as the ETU and CFMEU for the past four years,” Mr O’Dwyer said.

“Electrical contractors will no longer be subject to the exorbitant demands of union leaders who threaten, bully and intimidate any contractor who does not accept their excessive demands in relation to Enterprise Bargaining Agreements.

“Since the abolition of the ABCC in 2012, industrial disputes have risen by 40 per cent and this has had a crippling effect on productivity in the industry.

“Increased industrial action on building sites has led to cost blowouts for both public infrastructure and private projects of up to 30 per cent.

“There are currently 113 CFMEU officials before the courts, suspected of more than 1,100 contraventions of the law, and MEA firmly believes that the reintroduction of the industry watchdog will bring an end to this thuggish behaviour.

“This is a win for mum-and-dad small business owners who will now be able to conduct work without having to face intimidation from militant union leaders who have no respect for the rule of law.

“MEA applauds the Government, along with the senate crossbenchers who supported this Bill, and we look forward to the positive impact the restoration of the ABCC will have on the building and construction industry.”

Jason O’Dwyer is available for interview. Please phone SAS Group on 07 3221 9222 or 0467 792 013.