The Registered Organisations Commission (ROC) will commence on 1 May 2017, with its new powers and functions relating to the regulation of unions and employer associations commencing on 2 May 2017. This follows the recent appointment of Mr Mark Bielecki as the first Registered Organisations Commissioner by the Minister of Employment, the Hon Michaelia Cash. Mr Bielecki has worked extensively as both a senior lawyer and financial regulator and was previously the South Australian Regional Commissioner for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

The establishment of the ROC is a result of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Amendment Act 2006 (the Act) receiving royal assent on 24 November 2016. Members will recall one of the key objectives of the Act is to ensure that officials from registered organisations, such as the CFMEU, will be subject to similar standards as company directors under Corporations law. This will include more thorough reporting and disclosure – and importantly the introduction of criminal offences for those who commit serious breaches.

This is a significant step towards restoring the rule of law in the construction industry, ensuring bigger penalties for those who consistently disregard their legal obligations.

Members seeking further information are encouraged to contact the IR Department on (03) 9411 4560.