Master Builders, Australia's largest construction industry association, has stepped in to provide its recommendations to the government over the proposed Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Bill.
While the association says it supports the bill in theory and is fully behind the government in creating a fair working environment, free of prejudice and discrimination, it has criticised the particular details of the new legislation, saying the construction industry could suffer if it comes to pass.
In its current form, the bill would require a substantial investment from businesses, with Master Builders predicting a cost of up to $3.2 billion dollars across the industry in order to comply with its demands, which could require a complete restructuring of company policies.
The association has therefore advised the government on how to reform the new law in such as way that will uphold the spirit of fairness and anti-discrimination without hindering the construction industry, which may otherwise struggle to meet the compliance costs.
