THE MASTER Builders Association ACT, together with Meyer Vandenberg Lawyers, has developed a ‘Right of Entry App’ for use with iPhones. The app guides users through complex union right of entry laws in real time, providing builders with clear and on-the-spot advice when met with union officials’ requests to enter a construction site.

Cameron Spence, the Director of Industrial Relations at Master Builders ACT says the app covers union rights of entry under both the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (ACT), which entitle union officials to investigate suspected breaches of industrial and safety laws and hold general discussions with employees.

“Disputes most often occur around use of safety rights of entry,” Cameron said.

“Safety is a primary concern for anyone involved in the building industry. However, safety rights of entry are commonly used for purposes that have nothing to do with safety. The 2015 Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption found that construction unions such as the CFMEU target ‘safety’ inspections at builders and contractors that fail to meet industrial demands, as a way to cause ‘delay, disruption and the financial consequences that flow from it’, until the industrial demand is met.

“Sadly, abuses of right of entry laws inspire cynicism about safety within the industry. They also divert resources away from more pressing safety issues, as builders are instead absorbed in managing intentional disruption, which also adds to the cost of building in the ACT.

“Master Builders’ right of entry app is designed to minimise disruption by union officials and help builders focus on the real issues. When union officials enter to investigate safety issues, the app assists builders in keeping the focus on safety – not unrelated industrial agendas.

“The app provides a step-by-step guide, from entry through to exit, enabling site supervisors to confidently manage union officials while complying with their legal obligations. The app also acts as a record-keeping device, automatically generating reports and offering the capacity to take notes, photos and make voice recordings.”