Statement by Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association CEO Steve Knott AM 

AREEA welcomes today’s High Court decision backing the validity of the Federal Government’s action to administer the CFMEU and its branches.

In the interests of fairness and transparency – and ultimately, workforce conditions and productivity – enterprise agreements and all facets of contracting must comply with Australian law and regulation.

This is across the spectrum of industrial and employee relations and occupational health and safety – wherever jobs, sound management and the welfare of employees is concerned.

The High Court ruling returns a strong measure of certainty to the construction sector while sending a powerful message on unlawful conduct across industries.

In the land of the ‘fair go’, Australian lives and livelihoods must be free from coercion, intimidation and criminality.