Industry’s verdict on CFMEU: enough is enough

Property industry groups have called for unions to abide by the law in the wake of John Setka’s attack on the ABCC.

Property Council of Australia CEO Ken Morrison.

Property industry groups have called for unions to abide by the law in the wake of union heavyweight John Setka’s attack on the Australian Building and Construction Commission.

The union’s sway over projects across Australia was on display as major listed and private firms deferred to industry groups to comment yesterday as many are in the middle of multi-billion-dollar infrastructure or building projects.

While they backed the role of unions, property groups called for the ABCC to have access to sites and for the union to act within the law. Property Council of Australia chief executive Ken Morrison said unions had a “legitimate role”.

“But that role also requires there to be respect for the rule of law, which has been flouted on too many instances,” he said.

 

“The wellbeing of those who work on our building sites, and the productivity of this important economic industry, is best supported by having a good cop on the beat, such as the ABCC.”

Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn called out the “appalling behaviour” of CFMEU official Mr Setka on ­Father’s Day, saying it was ­“emblematic of the union’s utter contempt for the community”.

Mr Setka has since withdrawn his tweet but Ms Wawn said the union’s “bullying, thuggery and unlawful industrial tactics” meant it cost up to 30 per cent more to construct office space, schools, roads and hospitals.