Bad Laws Cost Lives

Construction has always been a dangerous industry.

However, since the crackdown on unions in the construction industry began under the Howard Government, things have gotten a lot worse.

From 19 fatalities due to construction accidents in 2004-5 before the Australian Building and Construction Commission was set up, their incidence has risen dramatically to 38 in 2007-8 and 32 last financial year.

This is no coincidence. The mad push by employers and politicians against the CFMEU directly targets our role in safety. Many ABCC investigations and prosecutions are launched into safety disputes.

The charges against Adelaide rigger Ark Tribe arise from a site where the builder didn't take workers' safety concerns seriously. When he goes on trial in June, Ark could be jailed for six months for refusing to inform on his workmates and a CFMEU organiser.

Labor's continued support for the ABCC and the unfair laws it enforces was recently condemned by the International Labour Organisation, part of the United Nations