Senator ABETZ (Tasmania—Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service and Minister for Employment) (14:17): All Australians should be deeply concerned by the recent reports of threats and intimidation in the building industry. Unfortunately, these revelations are merely the latest addition to the decades-long rap sheet of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union. In 2003 the Cole royal commission found that the Australian— Senator Cameron: Mr President, I rise on a point of order. The point of order is accuracy. The minister should ensure that he is accurate in his responses— The PRESIDENT: Senator Cameron, that is not a point of order; you are debating the point! There is no point of order. Senator ABETZ: I did refer to reports. In 2003, however, the Cole royal commission found that the Australian building industry was plagued by a culture of lawlessness due to militant— Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Pause the clock! The noise, again, from the left is terrible. Senator Cameron: You're making allegations! Senator Jacinta Collins: And it's not the first time! The PRESIDENT: Senator Cameron and Senator Collins! Senator ABETZ: In response to these findings the former coalition government established the Australian Building and Construction Commission. Under the ABCC building industry productivity was higher, fewer days were lost to industrial action and the rule of law was respected. But when the Labor-Greens government dismantled the ABCC the bad old days came back. Under Labor's thug-friendly laws working days lost to industrial action in the building industry multiplied not by two, not by three, not even by four but by a factor of seven. A factor of seven! A re-established Australian Building and Construction Commission will ensure that honest workers are protected, businesses are productive, the rule of law is upheld and benefits are delivered. Senator Kim Carr: It's a star chamber! Senator Cameron: We agree with Senator Smith; it's an abuse of human rights! Senator Conroy: Absolutely fraudulent! It's a farce! The PRESIDENT: Order on my left! Senator Conroy! Senator ABETZ: It is amazing how the Australian Labor Party interjects—today's Labor Party—because a former ACTU president and distinguished Labor minister—none other than Martin Ferguson—has said that the ABCC is a mechanism that holds both sides to account and which can help deliver projects on time and on budget. Why those opposite would— (Time expired)