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We’ve long campaigned against the oppression experienced by independent contractor subbies at the hands of union officials in the Australian construction sector. More recently, we've submitted our concerns about the collusion in the sector between unions and some large, dominant firms which limits competition.  More...

An ICA member reflects that disability care requires flexible workforce arrangements, and people prepared to do the work! The ICA member says:

I am interested in the progress of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and admit self-interest.  I now have my 93-year-old, infirm mother living in my home and requiring a high level of care. More...

Yesterday, Queensland’s Newman government handed small business people in Queensland a surprise Christmas present. It released a paper floating the idea of bringing back its industrial relations powers for unincorporated businesses (sole traders and partnerships). If it proceeds, many small businesses in Queensland will benefit by escaping from the clutches of the Fair Work Act. Links to the paper, ICA's response and other information are here. Ken Phillips' associated Business Spectator article is here. And his Courier-Mail article is here. More...

ICA has released its report and submission to a Victorian inquiry into construction union violence. The report—“It’s a long way to fall, mate!”—calls for action to prosecute violence and harassment on worksites and to investigate and address bikie gang and drug trafficking problems on Victorian construction sites. The Herald Sun has given the report major coverage today. More...

The Victorian Baillieu government is doing something about construction cost blow-outs due to bad industrial relations. Here’s Ken Phillips’ assessment, a speech from Victorian Premier Baillieu and an interview with the new Victorian construction regulator. More...