The ABCC today released the agency's 2010-11 Annual Report, revealing a substantial increase in the agency's productivity across key performance areas.
ABC Commissioner Leigh Johns said that he was pleased with the agency's performance, noting it demonstrates the ABCC has successfully made the transition to full service regulator.
"The ABCC became the full service regulator for the building and construction industry in October 2010, taking responsibility for investigating underpayment claims in the industry," said ABC Commissioner Johns.
"The 2010-11 annual report shows a marked increase in the number of investigations we are undertaking across the spectrum of our regulatory functions.
"As well as the increase that would be expected when taking on additional service offerings, activity in our traditional enforcement functions has also increased."
Key performance figures show that the ABCC:
- undertook 402 investigations, an increase of 30 per cent;
- initiated 354 investigations, an increase of 47 per cent;
- finalised 315 investigations, an increase of 32 per cent; and
- initiated 134 investigations into sham contracting;
- recruited 17 new inspectors;
- responded to 99 per cent of enquiries within one working day;
"The ABCC is active in enforcing the rule of law through civil litigation activities, conducting 58 proceedings before the courts resulting in $2.57 million in penalties.
"The ABCC also made submissions in seven Fair Work Australia proceedings, and intervened in two new court proceedings.
"With regard to service and education our staff have remained active, responding to 2,497 enquiries and delivering 292 presentations, achieving a 100 per cent client satisfaction rate for the presentations.
"As we enter the second quarter of 2011-12, the levels of activity have not dropped, and we are rolling out new programs such as proactive compliance audits in concreting and the finishing trades.
"The ABCC provides an important service for the Australian building industry, bringing about fair and productive building work for the benefit of industry participants and Australia as a whole.
"This can only be achieved by remaining an active, visible and engaged regulator.
"I congratulate ABCC staff on the lift in productivity, and look forward to building on these results in the remainder of this financial year."
The ABCC 2010-11 Annual Report can be downloaded from www.abcc.gov.au