Our role
The role of the ABCC is to uphold the law and change behaviour to make the building and construction industry fair, efficient and productive.
Our responsibilities
The ABCC is responsible for the following workplace relations matters in the building and construction industry:
Education and advice
We provide education and advice by:
- responding to enquiries for advice and assistance
- conducting presentations on the rights and responsibilities of building industry participants
- producing and distributing fact sheets on legislation, regulations and industrial relations practices
- publishing a monthly newsletter and distributing news and updates on topics affecting the industry
- regularly updating our website with the latest news, legal findings and operational activities of the ABCC.
Investigations and audits
We conduct investigations and audits in regard to alleged contraventions of:
- the Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Act 2016 (BCIIP Act)
- the Fair Work Act 2009 (FW Act)
- the Independent Contractors Act 2006 (IC Act)
We monitor compliance with Commonwealth Building Codes through site visits, site inspection and audits.
Taking legal action
In certain circumstances, we institute proceedings for contraventions of the BCIIP Act and FW Act, particularly in relation to:
- Wages and entitlements
- Coercion
- Industrial action
- Discrimination
- Strike pay
- Right of entry
- Unlawful pickets
We may also intervene in court proceedings or make submissions to the Fair Work Commission, when the proceedings involve a building industry participant or building work.
Where appropriate, we refer matters to other Commonwealth or state and territory bodies, including the: