Matt O'Sullivan (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I take that interjection. You can justify a law. Sally McManus, the head of the ACTU, said that she doesn't see a problem with breaking the law if the law is unjust. It doesn't matter that it might be the law of the land, but if, in their opinion, it's unjust, you can break the law. The union movement sees legal fees and fines as a cost of doing business, not to mention the thuggery that happens on site.

In recent years over $16 million in fines have been imposed on the CFMMEU. Judges have observed that these penalties are not enough for a union that treats them like parking tickets. Of the 1,661 contraventions of industrial law brought against the CFMMEU, 91 per cent were upheld. Clearly this body is not being frivolous but is playing a genuine role. Those opposite want to remove this body that's actually playing a genuine role in ensuring that workplaces are safe, and people can go to work and do their jobs and be happy about their work.

We talk about the cost of living and the impact that this would have. Studies by EY and the Master Builders Association found that the economic loss from the ABCC's abolition is estimated to cost $47.5 billion as the cost overrun from the construction industry spills over into other sectors. There is pressure on the economy, and there's a lot going on globally. We accept that. There are a lot of international pressures. So why would you want to impose a greater hit to the Australian economy? The construction industry makes up 10 per cent of the economy and you want to impose even a greater cost and a greater impact. That's not just for the workers but, importantly, for those paying for construction projects to be delivered. Whether it's taxpayers, employers, customers or mums and dads, those seeking the services of that industry end up paying for it. Ultimately, the Australian taxpayer pays. That's not to mention the misery, shame and difficulty that is caused to an individual who has to go to work and face the intimidation and thuggery of unions and officials. It might just be sections within it, but you need a cop on the beat to make sure that there are protections there, that someone doesn't need to go to their workplace and be under any threat of their livelihood and their enjoyment at work.

Debate interrupted.