Drug testing important for construction safety

The CFMEU’s belated commitment to Master Builders’ consistent calls for the acceptance of mandatory drug and alcohol tests on building sites is welcome but raises questions about the sincerity of the CFMEU in its call for mandatory testing today.

“Master Builders’ position is to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of all parties on building sites but until now the CFMEU has vigorously opposed Master Builders call for compulsory random drug testing every step of the way,” Wilhelm Harnisch CEO of Master Builders Australia said.

“Master Builders commends Senator Jacqui Lambie for calling the CFMEU out on their previous opposition to mandatory drug testing,” he said.

“Master Builders will sit down with the CFMEU if they are genuine and willing to have sensible discussions on practical solutions on how a testing regime can be implemented,” Wilhelm Harnisch said.

“But let’s be very clear that the CFMEU and National Secretary Dave Noonan are fighting a desperate rear-guard action against news of the Senate crossbench likely support to extend the powers of Fair Work Building and Construction (FWBC) and what they fear most is the establishment of the powers of the Australian Building and Construction Commission,” he said.

“It’s just the latest example of the CFMEU using safety on building sites as political opportunism in pursuit of their indefensible agenda to protect unlawful industrial thuggery,” Wilhelm Harnisch said.

“But Master Builders will take at face value the CFMEU’s commitment to a compulsory random drug and alcohol testing regime because Master Builders is committed to ensuring that construction workers each day return home safely to their wives, partners, children, families and friends,” Wilhelm Harnisch said.