Issue 24 of 2016 – 30 November
SENATE PASSES LEGISLATION TO INTRODUCE THE BUILDING CODE 2014 AND RE-ESTABLISH THE ABCC
SENATE PASSES LEGISLATION TO INTRODUCE THE BUILDING CODE 2014 AND RE-ESTABLISH THE ABCC
Members are advised that the Senate has passed the Bills to introduce the Building Code 2014 and to re-establish the ABCC.
Both Bills were passed this morning with 36 votes in favour and 33 votes against.
The Bills were subject to a good deal of amendment and will take some time to absorb.
Master Builders will be working with the Federal Government and other parties to arrive at a set of practical arrangements for their implementation. However, one important amendment of note which was proposed by Senator Hinch, will allow contractors to bid for federally funded projects for the next 2 years even if they have an enterprise agreement that does not comply with the Building Code 2014.
The Federal Government accepted other amendments requiring greater impartiality from the ABC Commissioner and continuing scrutiny for the ABCC’s coercive powers by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
It has also accepted amendments to establish a security of payment working group. The Government also agreed outside the terms of the legislation for further checks on visa workers in the construction industry.
Members are advised that as the Bills were amended by the Senate, they will now be returned to the House of Representatives later today and passed. It is understood that Royal Assent will be given to both Bills tomorrow.
The Building Code 2014 will be effective from 1 December 2016.
