Construction industry
Brad ROWSWELL (Sandringham) (14:21): My question is to the Premier. Last night the Premier told Victorians her government had taken immediate action on criminal behaviour on Big Build worksites. The Labour Hire Licensing Act gives the Labour Hire Authority the power to immediately suspend a licence. Why has the Labour Hire Authority failed to take immediate action by suspending the licence of Women in Construction, a company owned by a serial family violence abuser, which employed women on the Big Build while rorting taxpayers?
Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:22): The answer to this question is consistent with previous answers I have given today. We have strengthened the Labour Hire Authority’s powers. We established the Labour Hire Authority, which was opposed by the member opposite and his colleagues. The Labour Hire Authority has issued a show cause notice. It is undertaking its independent investigations as part of dealing with the allegations that have been put, which are allegations that go to unacceptable behaviour. It is because we have zero tolerance for this behaviour that the Labour Hire Authority has stronger powers, and it is using them.
Brad ROWSWELL (Sandringham) (14:22): If Women in Construction, a company owned by a convicted serial family violence abuser, which rorts taxpayers on the Big Build, does not meet the threshold for immediate suspension, then, Premier, what does?
Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:23): Again, I will not be invited by the member for Sandringham to prejudice the independent investigation by the Labour Hire Authority. We have strengthened their powers. They are using their powers and are currently undertaking their independent investigation.