SUBCONTRACTORS —
INDUSTRY REFORMS
288. Hon MICHAEL MISCHIN to the minister representing the
Minister for Commerce and Industrial Relations:
I refer to the minister's
answer to my question without notice of 22 March 2018 regarding the McGowan
government's election commitments in its ''Protection for
Subcontractors'' policy document.
(1) Noting that
it was formally established on 22 February 2018, when did the minister decide
to establish an industry advisory group?
(2) What are the
other steps in the ''comprehensive strategy put in place by the McGowan
Labor government on coming to power'' so far as they relate to subcontractor
protection?
(3) What is Mr
John Fiocco's experience in building and construction law?
(4) In what
manner has the government increased support and education to industry
participants on the use of the Construction Contracts Act 2004?
(5) Has the government
maintained the Western Australian building and construction code monitoring
unit; and, if so, what is its complement of staff and current budget?
(6) If no to (5),
why not, and when and who decided to terminate its operations?
Hon
ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
I
thank the member for the question. The following information has been provided
to me by the Minister for Commerce and Industrial Relations.
(1) The decision
to establish the industry advisory group was approved by cabinet.
(2) In addition to
the process for industry-wide reform, work is being undertaken with key works
agencies to implement measures to protect subcontractors working on state
government–funded projects. The McGowan government is committed to
implementing its election commitments.
(3) Mr Fiocco has
extensive experience in commercial, contract and insolvency law, having
practised as both a solicitor and a barrister over many years.
(4) The
Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has undertaken a campaign
to raise awareness within the industry of the Construction Contracts Act. This
includes the delivery of information seminars to interested groups in
metropolitan and regional areas, and enhanced online materials. It will also
deliver face-to-face seminars to the industry on construction contract
management.
(5) Yes. The
budget and resourcing allocation approved by the former government has been
maintained.
(6) Not
applicable.