In 2011-12, the ABCC carried out 474 investigations into suspected breaches of workplaces laws in the building and construction industry.

Table 2.8 shows that the ABCC commenced 364 new investigations to 31 May 2012. The ABCC had 79 continuing investigations during the reporting period and finalised 389 cases.

Subject of investigation

Figure 2.1 sets out who the ABCC investigated to 31 May 2012. Subcontractors accounted for almost one-third of investigations and employers accounted for almost a quarter of investigations.

This was followed by union investigations at 22 per cent and head contractors at 10 per cent. An employee was the subject in seven per cent of investigations.

Types of contraventions investigated

During the reporting period, the ABCC investigated 1110 suspected contraventions of Commonwealth workplace laws.

Table 2.10 shows that 36 per cent of contraventions involved wages and entitlements. Twenty-one per cent of contraventions involved independent contractor legislation and 18 per cent involved unlawful industrial action.

TABLE 2.8 SUMMARY OF INVESTIGATIONS TO 31 MAY 2012

TABLE 2.9 STATE BREAKDOWN OF INVESTIGATIONS 1 JULY 2011 TO 31 MAY 2012

TABLE 2.10 TYPES OF CONTRAVENTIONS INVESTIGATED TO 31 MAY 2012

NOTE: ‘OTHER’ INCLUDES CRIMINAL ACTIVITY AND BREACHES OF LAWS RELATING TO TAXATION, TRADE PRACTICES AND STATE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY.

FIGURE 2.1 SUBJECT OF INVESTIGATION

TABLE 2.11 WAGES AND ENTITLEMENTS – ENQUIRIES AND OUTCOMES