Employment Minister Eric Abetz says it is good to hear a senior Labor figure support the re-establishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission, and hopes Martin Ferguson's colleagues will support building industry reform.
Senator Abetz said the support of Mr Ferguson, a former ACTU president, shows the coalition is on the right track with industrial relations reform.
"It confirms the coalition is moving in a methodical, purposeful manner and in a way that we promised the Australian people before the election," he told reporters in Melbourne on Friday.
"It is good to see that a former president of the ACTU is basically acknowledging that we are sticking by our promise, which is not to go further than that which we promised during the election campaign."
Senator Abetz urged Mr Ferguson's colleagues in the Senate to allow the ABCC to be re-established and support the removal of the carbon and mining taxes.
He said Mr Ferguson was highly regarded as a minister and common sense was part of his make up.
Mr Ferguson will reportedly use a speech in Perth on Friday to support the return of the ABCC and say changes to the Fair Work Act so far are a step in the right direction.
