Today, the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner, John Lloyd expressed concern about a deterioration in the conduct of certain participants in the Victorian building and construction industry.
“In recent months a number of projects in Victoria have experienced a marked increase in coercion, intimidation, threats and violence. Two of the projects involved are major community developments, namely the New Royal Children’s Hospital and the Westgate Bridge Strengthening project. The deteriorating conduct raises the prospect of significant delays and cost overruns. I will use all the powers available to me to ensure that the rule of law is upheld” Commissioner Lloyd said.
Numerous court proceedings involving both projects have been held in an attempt to curb the disruptive behaviour. A number of interlocutory injunctions have been ordered to restrain conduct.
The Westgate Bridge Project has seen deplorable conduct. The conduct has spread beyond the Westgate Project to other construction sites, including John Holland’s head office. The range of activities brought before the court include:
- extreme verbal abuse;
- property damage, including to a vehicle;
- coercion and intimidation; and
- threats of violence.
Mr Lloyd said that actions targeting innocent workers have been taken very seriously.
“The ABCC is working with law enforcement agencies to ensure that work can proceed without threats and intimidation against workers. There is no excuse for this type of behaviour. I call on all persons and organisations to obey the orders and injunctions of the Federal Court and cease this kind of conduct.”
No final hearing of these matters in the Federal Court has been held. Trials are anticipated in the coming months.