The Queensland Opposition has forced the Palaszczuk Labor government into making almost 150 amendments to contentious legislation affecting the construction industry.
The Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Bill 2017 concerning subbie payments was passed in Parliament this week to improve security of payment to subcontractors.
Opposition Housing and Public Works spokesperson Stephen Bennett said while the LNP supported the legislation, he was concerned that the Labor Government had rushed the laws through.
“Clearly this legislation will have a huge impact on the construction sector and the Palaszczuk Labor Government has rushed it, but I’m pleased that we were able to force 145 amendments including the implementation of a 12 month trial,” he said.
“We have fought hard to make sure the legislation is fair for all in the construction industry and these amendments will go a long way to addressing some of the uncertainty in the industry, particularly the fear that the legislation may have had the unintended consequences of collapses for large head contractors.”
Mr Bennett said he was committed to getting the balance right to ensure subbies get paid what they are owed without increasing construction costs.
“Unlike Labor, we want to make sure we take the time to work with stakeholders to ensure the rollout isn’t botched to address ongoing payment issues,” he said.
“The real effects of the ramifications on the industry will not be known until we at least have a review of the legislation after 12 months.
“I look forward to a review after 12 month because the industry deserves to have some certainty that these new laws will not cause diabolical consequences.”
ENDS.
27 October 2017