The Australian Institute of Building (AIB) and National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) have announced their support of the Coalition’s decision to create a Working Group to deal with the re-establishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC).

The Working Group will be tasked with examining current governance and practical problems in the construction sector, as well as developing a detailed plan, including drafting instructions, for restoring the ABCC and boosting Australia’s productivity growth.

“We strongly endorse the Coalition’s commitment to restore the ABCC with its former powers within three months of the first parliament sitting if re-elected,” said Mr Robert Hunt, AIB Chief Executive Officer.

“Since the ABCC was abolished by the current Government, industrial activity has been on the rise, and this has meant higher costs for construction firms, and has added to financial pressures that have seen more companies going bankrupt,” Mr Hunt said.

“The re-establishment of the ABCC would be a win-win for construction firms and workers in the industry,” he said.

James Tinslay, CEO of NECA CEO, added that he believes the work of the ABCC is just as important today as it was when it was first established.

“It should never have been abolished and as we predicted it has led to a sense of lawlessness in the construction sector. And this is not in anyone’s best interest,” said Mr Tinslay.

“The re-establishment of the ABCC would help put an end to the union stand-over tactics that have plagued this industry in recent years and provide a much-needed boost to Australia’s productivity,” he concluded.

The Working Group will have Mr Josh Frydenberg, Ms Nola Marina and Mrs Jane Prentice as members and will be chaired by Mr Paul Fletcher. The group will consult closely with the building and construction sector and it will report to the Leader of the Opposition by 30 August.

If the Coalition is elected on September 7, the ABCC will be re-established within three months of Parliament first sitting.