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

I thank Senator Bushby for his question. There are over one million people employed in the building and construction industry in Australia. That is approximately 165,000 electricians, 124,000 carpenters, 87,000 plumbers, 46,000 painters, 43,000 civil engineers, 35,000 concreters, 34,000 plasterers, 33,000 bricklayers, 32,000 tilers and 26,000 cabinetmakers, along with many, many other tradies in this industry. The overwhelming number of businesses in building and construction are actually small businesses. There are approximately 300,000 small businesses helping to build Australia.

But it is a fact that it these businesses that are least able to withstand industrial lawlessness and intimidation. It is these businesses that are least able to afford the inflated costs that result from CFMEU pattern agreements. I have met with many, many subcontractors who, when I meet with them, explain to me the horrendous intimidation and standover tactics they are subjected to. The first thing they say to me when they meet with me is that, 'We cannot have our names disclosed or our businesses disclosed, for fear of retribution and for fear that we will be blacklisted by the CFMEU within this industry.'

On this side of the chamber, we believe in small and medium business. We believe in giving everybody in Australia who wants to have a fair go a fair go. When there is a policy in place that encourages cartel-like behaviour between one union and the big end of town to the detriment of the little man, something is wrong. That is why we need to restore the Australian Building and Construction Commission. (Time expired)