The chief of Labor's building and construction watchdog has quit, as the Abbott government prepares to put in place a tougher regime for the industry.
Fair Work Building and Construction (FWBC) inspectorate head Val Gostencnik will step down at the end of next week.
Employment Minister Eric Abetz is working on draft legislation, to be introduced in the first session of parliament later this year, to bring back the Australian Building and Construction Commission.
The ABCC was abolished by the Labor government, under pressure from unions who described it as draconian.
Mr Gostencnik, who started in the role in August, remains deputy president of the Fair Work Commission.
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A spokesman for Senator Abetz said Mr Gostencnik offered his resignation to the minister and the minister had accepted it.
"The minister will announce an appointment to any vacancy at Fair Work Building and Construction in due course," the spokesman said.
The legislation to bring back the ABCC is likely to have a rocky road through the Senate, with Labor and the Greens vowing to oppose it.
