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ARTICLE · 29 APRIL 2012

New IR watchdog for the building and construction sector

Holding Redlich
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FWBI inspectors will perform the same functions and powers as a Fair Work Inspector in relation to building matters.

AustraliaReal Estate and Construction
Evan Willis
Evan Willis
Charles Power
Charles Power
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In late March 2012 the federal government passed the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Amendment (Transition to Fair Work) Bill 2012. This legislation will abolish the Office of the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner (ABCC) and create a new agency, the Office of the Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate (FWBI).

The key changes are explained below. It is expected that the changes will come into effect some time during 2012.

Integration into Fair Work Act scheme Building unions, their officials, employees, employers and other participants in the building industry will be subject to the same offences and penalties in the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (Act) as their counterparts in other Australian industries. There will no longer be a separate statutory regime of more onerous offences and higher penalties for building industry participants.

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