The building and construction industry is concerned a new Building Code has been given statutory force without any consultation with industry.
The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, the Hon. Bill Shorten, released the building code took effect on Friday 1 February, 2013.
Acting Chief Executive of Master Builders Australia, Richard Calver, said the new building code is being hastily implemented.
"Master Builders has been a long term advocate for a strong and effective national building code of practice. However, a major concern is the lack of consultation with the industry on the implementation of a major compliance code.”
"It is simply too early to tell if there will be any unintended consequences as a result of its implementation. However, section six clearly sends a message that all State and Territory codes of practice cannot stipulate additional requirements.”
"We have essentially been given a mere 24 hours to examine the code and advise the industry how to comply.”
"The intention to cut red tape by allowing building industry contractors and participants to demonstrate compliance is welcome.”
"We also welcome provisions preventing industry participants, including trade unions, from applying undue pressure and coercion. Such provisions were successful tenets of the Australian Building and Construction Commission.”
"Minister Shorten should consider consulting with industry to implement more of the underpinning laws for the Australian Building and Construction Commission, after it successfully curbed union militancy and lawlessness," Mr Calver said.
