Australian property body the Housing Industry Association (HIA) has warned against abolishing the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC), arguing it could have a negative effect on the economy.
Removing the body would be a blow to industrial relations and cause further problems to the sector's labour market, the HIA suggested.
HIA managing director Shane Goodwin urged the government to consider its responsibilities before passing the proposed reform bill, which it argues could cut productivity in the industry.
"Construction costs are an input into every other industry, and Australia cannot afford to go back to the bad old days of the economy being held to ransom by unlawful industrial action," Mr Goodwin argued.
He added that the ABCC has done an impressive job in reforming the sector and bringing the unions under legal control.
Master Builders' Australia recently encouraged the government to look at making a number of amendments to the Fair Work Act, which it feels is unfairly biased in the favour of employees.
Posted by Steve Douglas
