THE HON BRENDAN OCONNOR MP SHADOW MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT AND WORKPLACE RELATIONS MEMBER FOR GORTON

E&OE TRANSCRIPT RADIO INTERVIEW ABC THE WORLD TODAY TUESDAY, 28 JANUARY 2014

SUBJECT: Allegations of corruption within the building industry

ANNOUNCER: The Federal Labor Party says that any evidence of serious corruption within the building industry should be given to the police for investigation. But Labors workplace relations spokesman Brendan OConnor told Naomi Woodley that he rejects the Governments argument for reinstating the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC). BRENDAN OCONNOR: Labor has no tolerance and condemns corruption and bribery in all its forms and for that reason any evidence that there is should be provided to the police for thorough investigation. NAOMI WOODLEY: The Employment Minister Eric Abetz said this is further evidence that the ABCC should be reinstated, which the Governments trying to do. Would you agree with that? OCONNOR: The Royal Commission set up by the Howard Government spent $66 million of taxpayers money and had one prosecution in the criminal jurisdiction. So were very mindful of how much taxpayers money should be spent to create a body when the police are there. If people are committing crimes, if there are serious allegations of crimes, where better than to refer such matters to the police could there possibly be? WOODLEY: So at the moment Labor isnt inclined to support the Government reintroducing the ABCC?

OCONNOR: No, weve actually opposed the need for another layer of bureaucracy. We already looked at the existence of the ABCC and we saw that productivity did not improve, safety certainly did not improve in the construction industry and there are already sufficient powers in place under Fair Work Australia to deal with civil laws. But if there are any allegations of criminal behaviour, then that should be dealt with by law enforcement agencies and thats where those matters should lie. They shouldnt lie at other bodies, but should be dealt with by the police. WOODLEY: Is there a case now though, or is there a strengthened case on the basis of these allegations for another Royal Commission into the building and construction industry? OCONNOR: I think the question is can such matters be dealt with by existing authorities? Ive yet been given any information to suggest the police cant deal with criminal behaviour anywhere. You dont set up extra layers of bureaucracy when youve got a powerful police force. If youre suggesting or if anyone is suggesting that criminal behaviour should not be dealt with by police then youd have to have a particularly good argument and to date, the government and the federal minister hasnt demonstrated that need. I have full confidence in the police of this country to deal with criminal behaviour and I would hope the federal government would have such confidence in the federal police and the state police to do their job. WOODLEY: The government says your opposition to the reinstatement of the ABCC is because the CFMEU has donated $6 million to the ALP in recent years. How do you respond to that allegation? OCONNOR: Its just a typical, malicious, politically motivated remark by a very politically motivated minister. To suggest that we would ever condone criminal behaviour is ludicrous. Indeed, the former Labor Government and the Labor Party will not condone corruption or bribery and if there is any proof of that behaviour these matters should be referred to the police and if they are true, then charges should be laid. ANNOUNCER: Thats the federal oppositions workplace relation spokesman Brendan OConnor speaking to Naomi Woodley in Canberra.

ENDS