Tony
De Domenico, Executive Director of the Urban Development Institute of Australia
(Victoria) said, "The illegal blockade of the Grocon
sites across Melbourne and interstate by the CFMEU,
despite Supreme Court rulings against such action, is a matter that the Federal
Government on behalf of the Australian community cannot or should not ignore.
"The
facts are simple, the Supreme Court has made a ruling, the illegal blockade should
be lifted, and the staff of Grocon and contractors should be allowed to return
to the place of work, safely and in peace.
"If
the community of Australia cannot depend on the ability
of the law of the land to defend their right to go to work peacefully and safely,
the Federal Government should show leadership and act immediately without fear
or favour by introducing effective legislation.
"The
current situation over the illegal blockade of Grocon workers from their workplace
has gone on far too long and the involvement of Fair Work Australia is no substitute
for the rule of law by Australia's justice system."
Mr
De Domenico said if the Federal Government continued to leave the door open for
illegal activity in the construction industry and development industry it will
have a significant impact on the general community through higher taxes, with
construction costs for infrastructure blowing out and will also impact on housing
affordability.
"The
Australian justice system is built on the foundation that everyone is equal before
the law. In Australia it would seem that this
foundation is severely being weakened by discrepancies between State and Federal
jurisdictions."
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