Master Builders Australia (MBA) has expressed its concern that the bill abolishing the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) will not be properly scrutinised by the senate before passing through into legislation.
It is especially worried about a clause which will allow complainants to settle disputes out of court, raising the possibility of coercion or bribery from union leaders.
Chief executive for MBA Wilheim Harnisch said the amendments could have potentially "disastrous consequences" for Australian property development and lead to economic problems.
"In the building and construction industry the everyday reality is that industrial disputes involve parties that have ongoing and damaging consequences beyond the project or the dispute," explained Mr Harnisch.
He added that a return to coercion as a tactic from unions would be hugely difficult for the industry.
The Housing Industry Association recently echoed these concerns, arguing that union bosses will be handed too much power by the move.
Posted by Steve Douglas
