Why do workers who build this nation have less rights than other Australians?

Across Australia, construction workers are still under attack from separate industry laws left over from John Howard’s era, and the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner (ABCC) continues to enforce its coercive powers.

The matters which the ABCC investigates are everyday industrial disputes or incidents. They are not criminal offences of violence, corruption or fraud. The ABCC does not have power to investigate such offences.

More than 150 people have been dragged in for coercive interviews by the ABCC. They are threatened with six months imprisonment if they do not answer questions. They cannot talk to anyone other than their lawyer about what happens to them at the interview. They may not be entitled to be represented by the lawyer of their choice.

People under investigation for criminal offences do have the right to silence.

Campaign for Rights on Site

Australia’s construction unions have joined together to campaign against the Building and Construction Industry laws and the ABCC, under the banner of Rights on Site.

The campaign has raised awareness of the unfair treatment of construction workers in the wider community. Over 10,000 people have pledged their support for one law for all Australian workers.

New legislation currently before Parliament abolishes the ABCC from 2010, and replaces it with a Building Industry Inspectorate. But the Inspectorate still retains the ABCC’s coercive powers, with some restrictions.

However, the Bill was not debated in the Senate in November, due to pressures of business. See news - 'Senate delay leaves Labor election promise unfulfilled' - for the CFMEU response and call for the Rudd Labor Government to stick to their 2007election promise and abolish the ABCC by January 31, 2010.

Go to the  Rights on Site campaign website for the latest actions being taken about the new laws.

Support Ark Tribe

South Australian rigger Ark Tribe's trial for allegedly attending a safety meeting and refusing to dob in his mates to the ABCC is scheduled for June 15, 16 and 18, 2010 at the Adelaide Magistrate's Court. 

Find out more about Ark Tribe’s case and send him your message of support at Rights on Site. Follow the Ark's Tribe blog.