ABCC revival closer with new appointments

Industry groups have welcomed the federal government's appointment of the former commissioner and deputy commissioner of the Australian Building and Construction Commission to lead the soon-to-be-revived building industry watchdog.

Employment Minister Eric Abetz today announced former ABCC deputy commissioner Nigel Hadgkiss as director of the Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate and former ABCC commissioner John Lloyd as chair of the FWBII advisory board.

The Abbott government has pledged to introduce legislation within its first 100 days in office to revive the Howard-era ABCC, which was last year abolished by the Gillard government and replaced with the FWBII.

Mr Abetz today said that Mr Hadgkiss and Mr Lloyd would steer the FWBII in transition towards the re-establishment of the ABCC.

"We need a strong watchdog to maintain the rule of law and improve productivity on Australian building sites and construction projects," Senator Abetz said.

"Securing the passage of legislation to re-establish the ABCC through parliament is a key government priority."

The news has been welcomed by industry groups, which have claimed that the abolition of the ABCC has enabled construction industry unions to act unlawfully and disruptively.

"Over the past few years we have seen a marked deterioration in the industrial environment in the construction industry with many instances of unlawful and inappropriate conduct by construction industry unions," Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox said.

"Mr Hadgkiss has the right skills, experience and approach to tackle the problems, and he will enjoy the strong support of industry."

Australian Mines and Metals Association chief executive Steve Knott said unions that complied with industry laws and regulations would have nothing to fear from the revival of the ABCC.

"Resource employers are looking for the restoration of the tough industry watchdog that was the ABCC, to stamp out rising unlawfulness on Australia's onshore and offshore construction sites and provide improvements to productivity and workplace harmony," he said.

"From 2002-2012 the work of the Building Industry Taskforce and the ABCC delivered strong, measureable outcomes in the construction sector including a 9.4 per cent increase in building industry productivity and $7.5 billion of extra value added into the Australian economy.

"Through restoring an effective building industry regulator these proven economic benefits can once again be shared among employers, employees and all Australian people."

Australian Council of Trade Unions president Ged Kearney said the ABCC under the Howard government had shown no desire to investigate the actions of employers in the construction industry and had targeted unions and workers.