This resource outlines how, across the national economy, work stoppages have become extremely rare – and the extraordinary discretionary ability of industrial authorities to restrict or prevent industrial action is an important reason why.

Employment Minister Michaelia Cash says industrial action in the construction sector fell after the Howard Government introduced a new building regulator, the Australian Building and Construction Commission and doubled after Labor abolished it.

Whichever party wins government, procedures for dealing with disputes need to change, writes Anthony Forsyth.