Master Builders is urging the Fair Work Building and Construction agency not to rush a proposed audit to monitor compliance with the controversial Building Code 2013.
The national Building Code 2013 was introduced by Workplace Relations Minister the Hon. Bill Shorten MP in late January and took effect from 1 February 2013.
Wilhelm Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer of Master Builders Australia said the audit must not proceed so soon after Code's introduction and close to the pending federal election.
"Undertaking a national audit of compliance to a building code that was introduced without consultation with industry five months ago, the terms of which remain problematic, is premature. Rushing to start a national audit six weeks away from a federal election caretaker period is not sensible,” he said.
"An audit program now would only create a significant and unnecessary red tape burden for the industry and divert precious resources from the building industry watchdog which would be better used trying to curb militant union activity.”
"Given the doubts over the relationship between the new national Building Code and state based codes, as well as problematic new provisions on immigration, OHS and security of payment, an education program to help inform the industry on how to comply with the Code would be much more appropriate.”
"The issue of resources becomes even more important after Fair Work Building and Construction's funding was cut in May's federal budget.”
"We strongly urge Fair Work Building and Construction not to proceed with the proposed audit," Mr Harnisch said.
