Australian Building and Construction Commissioner Leigh Johns today confirmed that the ABCC is enquiring into matters arising from the collapse of Wollongong construction firm Perle Pty Ltd.
The Perle administration is estimated to leave Illawarra subcontractors more than $1 million out of pocket.
“The speed with which the insolvency process can happen leaves workers with little or no warning that their wages are about to stop,” said Commissioner Johns.
“While the commercial issues are being negotiated and determined, our immediate concern is for workers and their families.
“We have been in touch with the administrators of Perle to ascertain the industrial coverage of Perle’s employees and whether they have received monies and entitlements owed to them.”
As part of the ABCC’s investigation, the agency will be talking to the Perle administrator to determine:
• The nature of the collective agreement or individual agreements covering the ‘building workers’ employed by Perle;
• Details of construction projects currently being undertaken by Perle;
• If the projects have been suspended or if work is continuing;
• Details of the workforce employed or engaged by Perle;
• If the workers have been paid their wages and entitlements since the date of their appointment as administrator; and
• If any workers have been stood down or terminated since the date of the appointment of an administrator.
“As part of our commitment to being a full-service regulator, the ABCC handles claims of underpayment of wages. Building workers who have concerns about underpayment are encouraged to make contact with their ABCC state office,” said Commissioner Johns.
“Without prejudging the outcome of this investigation, the ABCC will vigorously pursue employers who attempt to rip off workers. Ensuring a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work is part of our core operations as the national regulator of workplace relations in the building and construction industry.
“The ABCC will use the statutory means available to it to ensure workers receive the compensation they ought to receive.”
Any workers affected by the Perle administration, or with any concerns about underpayment of wages and entitlements, can contact the ABCC Hotline on 1800 003 338.