The CFMEU has welcomed the decision today of the Senate in the Federal Parliament to vote down the bill to reestablish the ABCC.

National CFMEU Construction Secretary Dave Noonan said that the defeat of the bill is a vote for equal rights for workers in the construction industry and a vote against discrimination.

“The union has maintained that laws pertaining to the ABCC are undemocratic and unnecessary given that there are industrial laws that cover all workers in Australia – and construction workers should not be subject to different laws.

“We welcome the decision and call on all parties in the industry to work with us in addressing the many challenges in the industry.

“The drop in apprenticeships, safety, the high number of insolvencies, sham contracting and the increasing use of 457 visa workers are all issues that need a cooperative approach in order to make improvements to a crucial player in our economy.

“We call on the Abbott Government to abandon its divisive and biased approach and work in the interests of the workers and businesses who make a living in the construction industry.”