The Commission of Inquiry into the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) and Misconduct in the Construction Industry has opened the door to a regulatory overhaul, releasing a discussion paper that weighs the reintroduction of an amended building and construction code for Queensland.
The move follows the Commission’s mandate to investigate whether law or policy changes are required to restore integrity of the state’s building sector.
A spokesperson for the Commission said: “The Commission’s Terms of Reference call for consideration of whether any law or policy change is needed in relation to the construction industry in Queensland.
“A building and construction code is one mechanism that could promote compliance, integrity and efficiency across the industry.
“We are seeking the views on whether such a code is desirable and, if so, what it should contain and how it should be enforced.”
The discussion paper draws on findings from the Queensland Productivity Commission (QPC), suggesting a new code could be used to strip out unnecessary productivity-limiting clauses from Enterprise Bargaining Agreements (EBAs).
A new code could also prohibit EBA provisions that force contractors to pass through specific conditions to subcontractors and prevent the potential misuse of workplace health and safety procedures.
While the Queensland government has previously indicated in principle support for a new code, any formal implementation remains contingent on the final recommendations of the ongoing Wood Commission of Inquiry.
If approved, the industry could see the new rules enforced as early as the start of 2027.
