The Age welcomes the introduction of the ABCC, arguing that the Turnbull government has finally achieved decisive action to regulate the illegal actions of the building and construction unions
Legislation to reintroduce the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) was passed in the last sitting days of the 2016 Parliament.
There has been incontrovertible evidence of violence and corruption in these industries.
The facts presented to the Heydon commission about the conduct of numerous senior and middle-ranking union officials were overwhelming.
The Age believes Labor has been wrong to resist the introduction of the ABCC.
It is the role of unions to protect the rights of workers, to negotiate on their behalf and to ensure they are able to work in safety and with respect. It is not the role of unions to take part in thuggish, standover tactics, to intimidate employers or corruptly obtain money.
It is clear that a strong watchdog is needed in the building and construction industries, and to be effective against such deep-seated and historic corruption this watchdog must have teeth.
