Victoria government to probe labour violence at Grocon site

The Victorian government will investigate possible breaches of the law, violence and intimidation by building unions after the recent illegal blockade of real estate developer Grocon's projects in Melbourne.

According to Grocon, union officials prevented Grocon's access to its Myer Emporium site for three days from 29 August after unionists clashed with police at the site on 28 August.

Grocon and the government have already filed a separate contempt case aimed at punishing the union for breaching court orders issued last month, which banned blockades at Grocon's Myer Emporium and Footscray projects.

According to state attorney-general and finance minister Robert Clark the blockades demonstrated that certain elements of the industry appeared to consider themselves above the law.

He added unlawful blockades, intimidation and harassment should have no place in any Victorian workplace.

The inquiry would also assess the whether the Commonwealth laws covering the industry,  were adequate, but it would have no powers to conduct formal hearings or to question witnesses.