In response to the current media investigation and reporting on concerns within the Victorian CFMEU, the Master Painters’ Association of Victoria and Tasmania emphatically supports the rule of law. It recognises the importance of a building and construction industry which operates within the law and supports the health and wellbeing of all its participants. It also recognises the right to natural justice. We await the outcome of any investigation by the government and its agencies.
The Australian building and construction industry faces a myriad of challenges at this time which are only exacerbated by activities such as have been alleged. Unions have an important role in advocating and supporting a safe, healthy and prosperous industry, as do employer associations. Through the pandemic we saw how the industry could co-operate for the general benefit of the industry and society. We call on all of the industry to work together in good faith to address these issues and the many other challenges it is facing.