Senator Eric Abetz

The Coalition today pays tribute to the Hon. John Lloyd PSM, the first Australian Building and Construction Commissioner, who has announced his resignation after being informed that his employment would not be continued by the Labor Government.

Julia Gillard promised there would be a ‘tough cop on the beat’ and has now effectively removed him.

After failing to emasculate the powers of the ABCC because the Senate would not allow it, Labor is now doing the next best thing by not reappointing Commissioner Lloyd.

Labor’s disgraceful refusal to offer to reappoint Commissioner Lloyd is yet another example of Ms Gillard’s unprincipled determination to go soft on illegal behaviour in the building sector.

Commissioner Lloyd has a remarkable and lengthy history of acting without fear or favour in upholding the rule of law on Australia’s Building & Construction sites.

His dedication to improving the levels of industry harmony and productivity has resulted in massive improvements in workplace practices, ensuring the timely and sound delivery of key Australian infrastructure.

Commissioner Lloyd has had a distinguished career in various State and Federal Government agencies, including senior positions in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. He is also on the board of Scope, a Victorian organisation providing services to people with cerebral palsy.

Commissioner Lloyd was appointed as head of the ABCC in 2005, which has since that time:

• Improved industry productivity up by 10%;
• Delivered an annual economic welfare gain of $5.5 billion dollars per year;
• Resulted in lower CPI (-1.2%) and higher GDP (1.5%); and
• Significantly reduced days lost through industrial action to all time lows.

The hallmark of Commissioner Lloyd’s work for the construction industry has been his unwavering devotion to upholding the law in an impartial and bi-partisan manner.  He has approached what is perhaps the toughest job in industrial relations without fear or favour.

Commissioner Lloyd has made an outstanding contribution to his field to the benefit of all Australians.

On behalf of the Federal Parliamentary Coalition, I pay tribute to the work of Commissioner Lloyd and thank him for his tireless dedication and outstanding achievements.

I have no hesitation in saying I would have reappointed Commissioner Lloyd.

The Coalition will continue to oppose Labor’s attempts to abolish the ABCC, and will retain this vital body if elected to Government.