Abolition of Building Watchdog costs economy up to $14 billion

TRANSCRIPT:
RADIO 2GB NEWS.
WILHELM HARNISCH, CEO, MASTER BUILDERS AUSTRALIA.
ABOLITION OF BUILDING WATCHDOG COSTS ECONOMY UP TO $14 BILLION.

NEWS READER: The nation’s economy has lost up to $14 billion since the abolition of the building industry watchdog.

The lost money is due to rising disruption at building sites and unlawful industrial action since the ABCC was disbanded in 2012.

Master Builders Australia’s Chief Executive Wilhelm Harnsich says there would be no need for a tougher watchdog if the construction union behaved normally.

WILHELM HARNISCH (CEO MASTER BUILDERS AUSTRALIA): This is a union that chooses to behave unlawfully, it chooses to defy the courts, it chooses to defy the Fair Work Commission and, in the end, it chooses to defy the community.