Union protest at 1 William St targets Main Roads bureaucrat Neil Scales

Thousands of union members have marched on the Tower of Power in Brisbane’s CBD demanding the resignation of a senior Palaszczuk government bureaucrat.

CFMEU state secretary Michael Ravbar addresses union mmbers. Picture: David Clark

Construction unions have descended on the Tower of Power calling for the resignation of a senior Palaszczuk government bureaucrat for what they say is a “systemic noncompliance” with government policy.

Thousands of union representatives marched on 1 William Street on Thursday demanding the resignation of long-time Department of Transport and Main Roads Director-General Neil Scales, arguing he has failed to implement the government’s new Best Practice Industry Conditions agreement.

Queensland Police blocked a section of William St as the crowd approached the tower’s front doors chanting and demanding action.

A protester at 1 William Street in Brisbane’s CBD. Picture: David Clark

The agreement is implemented on major projects above $100m and includes a suite of conditions to meet bargaining standards, local procurement, safety and other requirements.

CFMEU state secretary Michael Ravbar said Mr Scales and the Department of Transport and Main Roads was failing to comply with the new government policy when awarding tenders on major projects.

“This sees cheap, inferior imported product being used on major public works – at the expense of quality local manufacturers – and ultimately serves to further drive up construction costs and exacerbate supply chain issues,” he said.

“It sees training and apprenticeship opportunities passed up in favour of contracting bargain-bin builders using labour hire firms – in the midst of a skilled labour shortage – and paying bare minimum rates with scant regard for safety or build quality.

“What is infuriating is that the government has very clear policy directives in this area which are simply being ignored by bureaucrats like TMR director-general Neil Scales.”

Mr Scales has been contacted for comment.

Union protesters at 1 William Street in Brisbane’s CBD. Picture: David Clark

The Best Practice Industry Conditions agreement has been criticised, however, with the Australian Building and Construction Commission warning coercion and discrimination could become rife in Queensland’s construction sector through the ‘legally risky’ deal done between the Palaszczuk government and unions.

The agreement forces companies tendering for a government contract to negotiate with left-leaning unions including the CFMEU, whose history of militant behaviour contractors fear.

While it is not compulsory for a contractor to sign the agreement, several industry sources say builders are being pressured to capitulate or risk losing Labor Government contracts.