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Peak building and construction industry association Master Builders Australia welcomes Senator David Pocock and Senator Jacqui Lambie’s move to split the Government’s omnibus IR Bill.
Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said the Government’s attempt to hold additional protections for workers hostage to an ideological anti-business Bill is wrong.
“The four private Senators’ bills being moved by Senators Pocock and Lambie are supported by Master Builders Australia.
“This is a sensible approach to ensuring non-controversial and broadly supported elements of the Bill is passed without delay.
“We urge the Government, Coalition, and crossbench to support these Bills.
“Amendments to the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency Act 2013 alter the functions of ASEA to include coordinating action on silica safety and silica-related diseases.
“We support ASEA being handed this additional role. Master Builders considers that ASEA has made a significant and positive difference in discharging its existing remit to improve the level of asbestos-related awareness, coordination and safety outcomes.
“Master Builders supports the Agency’s ongoing efforts to consolidate the work of state and territory regulators to become a centralised repository for guidance on the management and prevention of harm arising from asbestos-containing materials.
“A greater commitment by WHS regulators to take a consistent approach to education and enforcement of silica safety is needed so businesses clearly understand their obligations and how to mitigate against silica-related risks most appropriately.
“Further scrutiny is required on the remainder of the Closing Loopholes Bill, and Master Builders continues to work with members of parliament on the negative consequences of this far-reaching legislation,” Ms Wawn said.
Media contact:
Dee Zegarac, National Director, Media & Public Affairs
0400 493 071 | dee.zegarac@masterbuilders.com.au