Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

The success of the building industry is important for jobs and our economy. It is unfortunate that this industry, which represents eight per cent of GDP, is being hampered by inefficient and unproductive practices and a culture in which certain elements flagrantly disregard the rule of law. This is why the government has committed itself to re-establishing the Australian Building and Construction Commission. When the commission first existed, it helped the building and construction sector to increase productivity by 10 per cent, providing an annual economic welfare gain to the Australian people of $5,500 million per year. It reduced inflation by 1.2 per cent, increased GDP by 1.5 per cent—

Senator Lines interjecting—