Vic: Unions accuse royal commission of unfair treatment

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2001
Vic: Unions accuse royal commission of unfair treatment

The royal commission into the building industry has been accused of unfair treatment
of union witnesses on just the third day of public hearings.

The lawyer representing building unions, JULIAN BURNSIDE QC, has told the commission
his witnesses are being treated differently to those from employer group the Master Builders
Association.

MBA executive director BRIAN WELSH gave evidence to the commission on Monday, when
he read his written statement unchallenged.

But on Tuesday, Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union state secretary, MARTIN
KINGHAM, was not allowed the same privilege.

However, Royal Commissioner TERENCE COLE, QC, has entirely rejected the notion and
says that evidence is simply being led from witnesses.

The commission will continue in Melbourne tomorrow before moving to New South Wales.

AAP RTV ce/clr/wz/rp

KEYWORD: CONSTRUCTION (MELBOURNE)

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