Constructing Fear (2007) - Australian Civil Liberties Video

Constructing Fear (2007). A documentary exposing the activity of an industrial inquisition targeting building workers across Australia. "Constructing Fear" shows how these workers are the front line in an attack on civil liberties that has implications for every Australian. A documentary exposing the activity of an industrial inquisition targeting building workers across Australia. "Constructing Fear" shows how these workers are the front line in an attack on civil liberties that has implications for every Australian. Since 2005, the Australian Building Construction Commission (ABCC) has targeted hundreds of workers. The ABCC conducts closed tribunals and seeks individual fines of up to $28,600. Those summonsed cannot refuse to attend a hearing; they cannot refuse to answer questions and they cannot tell anyone, including their families, what happened in the hearing. Penalty? Six months in prison! The ABCC's operations have been described as "...foreign to the workplace relations of civilised societies, as distinct from undemocratic and authoritarian states." (Federal Court Justice Marshall, 2004) People in a democracy should feel free to stand up for themselves, to speak out, and if necessary to act to improve their society. These rights have been taken away from building workers in Australia. Many are understandably intimidated, and despite feeling unjustly treated would not appear in the film. Those that do appear are unique individuals. Their stories shocked me, but their strength and courage gives me great hope. The film belongs to them. Director: Joe Loh; Producer: Dennis K. Smith / John Lewis; Production Company: Arcimedia and Joe Loh. Contact Information: http://www.constructingfear.com. Creative Commons license: Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• australia
• australian
• construction
• industry
• union
• unions
• labor
• labour
• worker
• workers
• civil
• liberties
• industrial
• building

[davebau]

Thanks for posting this. It's such a bloody disgrace this kind of thing is occuring in our country. I just pray a progessive government is elected soon to repeal all the disgusting draconian laws that have been put in place by this right-wing reactionary, xenophobic, homophobic, anti-education, anti-choice bigots

[rosaryfilms]

davebau, thank you for watching!

[LordEthan2]

bloody great doc, i showed my dad who's been in this sort of industry for 40 year's, he know's the girl in it and everything, used too work with her near portland on the smelter few years back

[rosaryfilms]

LordEthan2, thank you very much for comments!

[ChoofMonster]

We have no "Bill of Rights" in Australia, and our constitution does not fully ensure freedom of speech. Our legal system used to maintain the equivalent of the Fifth Amendment (due process, right to a jury trial, right to not incriminate oneself or others) - evidently, not for all citizens.

These are the chilling effects of the Industrial Relations laws, and it is only affecting one-tenth of the workforce so far. I fear for our future.

Once again, thank you for posting this.

[ChoofMonster]

Thank you for posting this - I had no idea things were so bad these days for builders.

New industrial relations laws recently came into effect in Australia, affecting most workers. Many are completely unfair, as this video points out. The Cole Royal Commission was needed at the time, due to corruption and collusion within the building industry - its continuing effects are draconian.

[RichardSharpeBC]

There are some genuine dead set ledgends in this documentary. Regardless if you are a member or not, you should watch this to see some of the people you should thank for making a stand.

[RichardSharpeBC]

No surprise tthat the maggots picked on a single mum to call in for questioning. I'm going thru a similar situation now. I can not put into words the pathological hatred I have for the ABCC and it's partner authorities. Who decided I forfieted my rights as an Australian Citizen when I out a tool belt on? One day they'll pick on the wrong person, and that person will go postal.

[TrustedadviceStudios]

......it's not secret though

[jumpnjza2]

I hope the reactionaries responsible for industrial terrorism get struck by lightning.

[ChoofMonster]

I live in the right electorate to send a clear message to the person directly responsible for implementing the new Industrial Relations laws.

Saturday's Federal Election could prove quite interesting.

The Roman Catholic Church, usually supportive of the current government, is disappointed, as it causes some people (the middle class) to become worse-off for the gain of others (the wealthy and socio-economically disadvantaged).

[scottydav72]

I just wish every single Australian could see this doco and then tell me we are still a democratic country.How has it got to the stage where you can become a political prisoner in Aust. making a stand for a safe working environment or injustices in the work place? This will not just affect the construction industry but will take simple democratic rights away from everyone if these draconian laws are not dismantled.

[rosaryfilms]

wog7, thank you for watching.