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Master Builders Australia has today welcomed the High Court’s decision to rule in the negative on the matters brought by former CFMEU officials in Ravbar & Anor v. Commonwealth of Australia & Ors.
The decision effectively endorses the Federal Government’s appointment of an independent administrator to the union and clears the path for long-overdue cultural reform in the building and construction industry.
Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said the decision affirms that the administration was implemented in a constitutional manner.
“This reaffirms and continues the requirement for accountability and transparency in a sector too often marred by lawlessness and poor conduct.
“This ruling is a victory for every builder, subcontractor, apprentice, and business that has suffered under a culture of intimidation, coercion, and disregard for the rule of law.
“The appointment of an independent administrator to the CFMEU is a crucial step in restoring integrity to the construction industry but it must not stop there.
“This is the opportunity to implement deep, structural reform to permanently rid the industry of criminality and corruption,” Ms Wawn said.
Master Builders commends the Federal Government for its resolve in standing up for the rule of law and pushing through the administration legislation in the face of vocal opposition.
“We acknowledge the leadership and political bravery of the Federal Government in pursuing this course of action.
“It takes courage to confront a culture as entrenched as the one exposed in our industry, and we commend the Government for not backing down. This decision sends a strong message that no one is above the law, and that reform in construction is not negotiable.”
Master Builders is calling on all levels of government to urgently pursue the full package of reforms outlined in its Breaking ‘Building Bad’ plan, including:
- Establishing a dedicated industry regulator—the Construction Industry Compliance and Corruption Agency (CICCA)—with strong enforcement and investigative powers;
- Creating industry-specific workplace and competition laws to eliminate unlawful conduct, coercion and cartel-like behaviour;
- Strengthening protections for whistleblowers and witnesses, and ensuring swift law enforcement responses on worksites;
- Reviewing enterprise agreements to ensure they are genuinely agreed to and free of coercion;
- Amending government procurement rules to remove the CFMEU’s influence over publicly funded projects;
- Introducing tough new penalties for misconduct, including industry bans for repeat offenders.
“We know what the problems are. They have been detailed in Royal Commissions, court judgments, countless inquiries and more recently in media coverage. What we need now is the political will to fix them once and for all.
“Workers deserve a union that operates within the law. Builders and subcontractors deserve worksites free of fear and corruption. And Australians deserve to know that their housing, infrastructure and tax dollars are not being compromised by criminal behaviour,” Ms Wawn said.
Master Builders urges the Government to move quickly to entrench the recent progress and ensure permanent change that lifts the culture, safety and productivity of the construction industry for generations to come.
Media contact: Dee Zegarac, National Director, External Affairs & Engagement
0400 493 071 | dee.zegarac@masterbuilders.com.au