Master Builders Australia has acknowledged senator David Pocock’s efforts to engage with the business community and work constructively to move amendments to assist businesses. It adds that further amendments to the IR bill would be welcome and don’t believe it’s ready for passage.

After striking a deal with the independent senator, the federal Labor government is confident the bill will pass this year.

“The building and construction industry welcomes the proposed expansion of a carve-out for civil construction but concerns remain for various subcontractors within the sector including electricians, plumbers and metal workers,” Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn says.

“Builders don’t operate in an economic silo and while many have been spared from multi-employer bargaining, they will still experience impacts from disruptions along the supply chain.”

David Pocock says that a key point business wanted was a simplified better-off-overall test which is what he believes the legislation delivers.

“One of the things that that business wanted and this legislation delivers is a simplified boot test, as well as a review of the award system next year, which is something that kept coming up in the Senate committee process as something that businesses want dealt with currently – you can have an award that is over 100 pages long for your relatively small business,” he says.

Denita says that Master Builders is disappointed that there were no amendments agreed to around the abolition of the ABCC despite glaring observations made in the recent Senate inquiry around culture and unlawful conduct in the sector.

“Despite senator Pocock’s best efforts, Master Builders continues to remain opposed to this legislation and urges the Senate to not rush this through and allow more time for adequate review,” she says.