Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr President. Unfortunately, the behaviour does have an impact not just on those workers who are subjected to this type of behaviour—but I do remind senators that the shadow minister does say, 'It's just a rough and tough industry'—but, unfortunately, for all Australians, because it impacts on productivity. Data from the ABS showed that from 2004 to 2005, when the ABCC commenced its work, to its final year of operation the labour productivity index for the construction industry rose significantly across a number of key indicators. In terms of the rate of disputes in the construction industry, they dropped to twice the all-industry's average. At the same time, long project delays were dramatically reduced. The Gillard government, courtesy of those on the other side, then abolishes the ABCC, and what happens? The rate of disputes rises to four times the all-industry's average. Clearly, the ABCC was doing its job. (Time expired)