On 5 January 2018 the Australian Government announced the appointment of Mr Stephen McBurney as the Commissioner of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) for a five year term commencing on 6 February 2018.

Minister for Small and Family Business, the Workplace and Deregulation, Craig Laundy, said Mr McBurney was appointed following a merit-based selection process. Mr McBurney previously worked as an Assistant Commissioner (Legal) for the ABCC from 2006-2008 where part of his role included implementation of compliance powers. He therefore has a proven track record in previous ABCC litigation. Most recently, Mr McBurney was Chief Examiner in the Victorian Government’s Office of the Chief Examiner – a powerful law enforcement agency set up in 2005 during the Melbourne underworld war.

The building industry employs more than one million Australians, and thus is a vital sector of Australia’s economy. The ABCC plays a critical role in maintaining the rule of law and promoting improved workplace relations to ensure building work is carried out fairly, productively and for the benefit of all.

If you would like more information about the ABCC, please contact Ai Group’s Workplace Advice Service on 1300 55 66 77.

Alternatively, if you would like assistance in complying with the Building Code please contact your local employment, workplace and industrial lawyer in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Melbourne or Brisbane or email Ai Group Workplace Lawyers at info@aigroupworkplacelawyers.com.au.