This year is an exciting milestone for the union where we’ve reached 100 years since federation and we are producing a book mid-year that will reflect the past hundred proud years of this Union.

But the more immediate challenges for the Union in 2010 are number one the ABCC. Already this year we’ve seen the task force very active on building sites in Queensland. When we’ve had an issue with safety, you would think their time and effort would be better spent investigating the many employers in our industry over compliance with wages and the various industry schemes that are very important to our livelihood and social welfare. Instead of harassing union organisers on the pretence they are trespassing on building sites. A union organised site is a safer site.

A continuing issue with the task force is South Australian member Ark Tribe whose court case has been sent down in June. We will have activities prior and leading up to that day. However it’s worth keeping at the forefront of people’s minds the Ark Tribe issue where he does not believe in the cohesive powers that still exist in the hands of the ABCC. They are un-Australian and should be dealt with. I just don’t know how the Rudd government will deal with that issue coming into a federal election at the end of the year. The big business ends of town are now saying publicly that the cohesive powers that exist in the ABCC should be abolished. They also now believe it is un-Australian and unworkable.  We would hope by federal election time that the Rudd Government would listen to its voters who put a great deal of effort in getting them elected, that they would at least refocus their attention on ABCC powers in the view of what is basic human rights.

Harmonisation will be a major challenge for Queensland workers, particularly building workers who stand to lose many of the safety standards we enjoy today. One national regulation and code for safety in the workplace, is principally a good idea for such a mobile workforce. We do move from state to state and it would make things a lot simpler if we are all working under the same regulations. The problem we have in Queensland is that we have enjoyed a higher standard of regulations and code than other states and we should do all in our power to protect that. Our argument is that other states who have a lesser standard than we do should be lifted up to the current standard in Queensland. It’s been workable in Queensland for many years so why would it not be workable for the rest of Australia. So when the campaign ramps up, it will be up to members to get behind the harmonisation debate and strive to have the rest of Australia lifted up at the highest standard, not one where it is watered down to the lowest denominator.

Congratulations to BUSS(Q) on an outstanding result coming out of the Global Financial Crisis. Superannuation is a long term investment and it’s comforting to know that you belong to a fund that not only endured the biggest financial crisis in our history, but also came out on top.

Another challenge we face in Queensland is the changing of the Workers Compensation system. It is typical of governments when we’ve had a financial crisis, that there is an income short fall and the immediate remedy is to cut the benefits for the workers. The employers of this state have enjoyed some of the lowest, if not the lowest, contribution rate of any other state and it is there that lies the solution to the problem. The solution is not disadvantaging mainly blue collar workers, in particular labour type classifications, where they will be the most disadvantaged by the suggested changes. We will be fighting vigorously to make sure that your rights as a builder’s labourer are protected in whatever changes the government may make to workers compensation.

I would also like to thank the many hundreds of members who participated in the recent membership survey. The results will assist the Union in setting the right strategies for our future. It is your Union, so taking advantage of the opportunity to have some input is paramount in guiding the directions this Union takes in future issues with wages, conditions, rights and benefits.

Stay united. Stay Strong.

Greg Simcoe