Appointment of new ABCC Commissioner

Master Builders Australia welcomes the appointment of Mr Stephen McBurney as the Commissioner of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC).

“The ABCC is an agency of great importance to the nation’s building and construction industry and the appointment of a permanent Commissioner will be a boost to industry confidence as we head into the New Year,” Denita Wawn CEO of Master Builders Australia said.

“Master Builders also acknowledges and thanks Ms Cathy Cato who has been Acting Commissioner of the ABCC. The tireless and professional work of Ms Cato, particularly during a period of change involving the Building Code 2016, has ensured the ABCC remains effective and continues to bring about positive and lasting cultural change, something for which the entire industry is grateful,” she said.

“The ABCC has a proven track record of tackling the ingrained and institutionalised toxic culture of the building unions and ensuring construction workplaces are lawful and operate like all other workplaces,” Denita Wawn said.

“The community and all Australians benefit from the work of the ABCC. The illegal conduct of building unions and their belief they are ‘being above the law’ robs the community by driving the cost of schools, hospitals, childcare centres and road, rail and other infrastructure by as much as 30 percent. It cheats the community of more classrooms, more hospital beds and more childcare places,” she said.

“Master Builders Australia and its member associations around the nation look forward to working with Commissioner McBurney to ensure the rule of law is maintained on building and construction sites,” Denita Wawn said.