Australian Building and Construction (ABC) Commissioner Leigh Johns today announced the publication of 17 submissions to the ABCC’s Sham Contracting Inquiry.
“The wide range of organisations making submissions is encouraging. It is only through collaboration between government, peak bodies, unions and commercial interests that we will successfully address the problem of sham contracting in the industry,” Commissioner Johns said.
“Even on an initial review, these submissions provide valuable insight into the incidence and impact of the problem.”
The next component of the Inquiry involves direct industry consultation at Roundtable consultations to be held in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane commencing in late March 2011.
“I encourage all industry participants to review the submissions, and I am confident that the diversity of views they represent will prompt vibrant and robust discussion at the upcoming roundtable events.”
The roundtables will allow attendees the opportunity to examine strategies to address sham contracting and offer critical stakeholder perspectives. Each roundtable will be hosted by an expert panel, with contributions encouraged from all attendees.
Roundtables will be held on the following dates:
25 March 2011 – Canberra, Old Parliament House
28 March 2011 – Sydney, the Mint
4 April 2011 – Melbourne, the RACV Club
14 April 2011 – Perth, Curtin University
18 April 2011 – Brisbane, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
While written submissions closed yesterday, the ABCC will continue to accept contributions to the Inquiry by arrangement.
“Sham contracting occurs when people who ought to be treated as employees are treated as independent contractors,” Commissioner Johns said.
“Unlike legitimate contracts, sham contracting means workers miss out on entitlements and decent employers in the building and construction industry can be placed at a competitive disadvantage.
“I look forward to further exploring the views raised in each of the submissions, and determining the best course of action to eliminating sham contracting from the building and construction industry.
All interested parties, including media, can visit www.shamcontractinginquiry.gov.au to view submissions and register to attend a roundtable event.