The ABCC’s role is to bring about fair and productive building work. We are responsible for enforcing Australian workplace laws within the building and construction industry.
The ABCC conducted a series of investigations into alleged unlawful industrial action at the Gold Coast University Hospital project and the Brisbane Supreme and District Law Courts project. Work stoppages occurred at these projects on six occasions between 28 February 2011 and 26 May 2011.
On 6 June 2011 the ABCC commenced legal action in the Federal Court of Australia against the CFMEU, the CEPU, and seven organisers employed by the unions. The action alleges breaches of the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Act 2005 and the Fair Work Act 2009 on the two projects between February and May 2011.
If your company has been adversely impacted or suffered a loss as a result of industrial action at the Gold Coast University Hospital project or the Brisbane Supreme and District Law Courts project you can contact the ABCC.
The ABCC may be able to seek compensation from the Court for demonstrable losses resulting from the alleged unlawful industrial action on these two Queensland projects.
To date, the ABCC has received several statements from subcontractors who believe they suffered a financial loss directly attributable to the industrial action.
Under the FW Act you have a right to participate in proceedings under a workplace law. If any person takes adverse action or discriminates against you because you have exercised this right, they may be in breach of the FW Act and the ABCC can investigate.
If you incurred losses as a result of work stoppages or industrial action on these two Queensland projects please provide documentary evidence (invoices, receipts or other records) to the ABCC Queensland office by Friday 2 September 2011.
Contact: ABCC State Director Field Operations Wayne Jenkinson, (07) 3223 1614.